Barcode for RDLC > Generate Barcode in RDLC > 2D > PDF417

How to Generate PDF-417 in RDLC Application

Insert PDF-417 Barcode Image into RDLC Reports

Completely integrated with Visual C#.NET and VB.NET
Add 2D barcode generation capability to your local report
Generate advanced PDF-417 barcode image in RDLC Reports
Add auto data mode that automatically selects data mode for specified PDF-417 barcode data
Easy to adjust the size of modules bars and margins around PDF-417 barcode symbol
Increase the margins around symbol to enhance PDF-417 barcode readability
Support PDF-417 barcode image rotation and alignment in RDLC application
Provide royalty-free and permanent license for RDLC Reports Barcode Control

The KeepAutomation PDF-417 barcode control for RDLC local reports is a high-performance, developer-focused reporting component. It enables teams to build stable, scalable .NET reporting solutions with built-in PDF-417 barcode generation and printing functionality. This dedicated barcode library integrates flawlessly with all .NET managed code environments, matching standard .NET Framework development pipelines.

RDLC Reports PDF-417 Barcode Generator Introduction

KA.Barcode for RDLC is a powerful control library for RDLC Reports development that supports PDF-417 barcode creation. This PDF-417 barcode generator draws high quality graphics object in RDLC Reports in Windows applications and ASP.NET projects. You can easily get user-defined barcode image using C#.NET or VB.NET. The parameters of generated PDF-417 barcode image are highly customizable.

PDF-417 Symbology Introduction

PDF-417 is a stacked 2D barcode used in a variety of industrial applications, including primarily transport, identification cards and inventory management. PDF is short for Portable Data File. The term of 417 suggests that each pattern of a PDF-417 is 17 units long and consists of four bars and spaces.

PDF-417 Barcode Data Encoding in RDLC Local Reports (C# .NET)

Valid Character Sets for PDF-417 Barcodes

The KeepAutomation RDLC PDF-417 generator supports flexible character encoding for global .NET reporting needs. This wide character support makes it suitable for multi-language business reports and complex data storage.

Full ASCII set: All 128 standard ASCII characters (common text, numbers, and basic symbols)
Extended ASCII: ISO 8859-1 characters with values ranging from 128 to 255
Extended character support: Up to 811,800 unique character sets and data interpretations
Special function codewords: Control characters compatible with RDLC custom code modules

PDF-417 Encoding Data Modes

PDF-417 uses targeted data compaction modes, much like specialized file compression tools for different data types. Each mode optimizes data storage for specific content types in RDLC reports.

Auto (Default): The .NET barcode library automatically picks the optimal compaction mode combination for input data
Text Compaction: Encodes printable ASCII characters (32 - 126, ISO/IEC 646 IRV) and select control characters
Byte Compaction: Encodes all 256 8-bit byte values, supporting global multi-language character sets
Numeric Compaction: Efficiently encodes long numeric strings, perfect for large numerical datasets in RDLC

The KeepAutomation library selects the best mode by default, and you may manually set a preferred mode as needed.

PDF-417 Maximum Data Length

Maximum data capacity for PDF-417 barcodes (at Error Correction Level 0) varies by encoding mode. Higher error correction levels will reduce usable data capacity, similar to sacrificing storage space for added file security.

Text Compaction: Up to 1,850 standard characters
Byte Compaction: Up to 1,108 8-bit byte values
Numeric Compaction: Up to 2,710 consecutive digits

Note
Exceeding these data limits may cause PDF-417 encoding failures in RDLC reports. For oversized datasets, you may use Macro PDF-417 mode.

Encoding Text in PDF-417 for RDLC Local Reports (C# .NET)

This section covers encoding standard ASCII, Unicode, and non-printable characters into PDF-417 barcodes. All configurations work for both ASP.NET and WinForms .NET projects integrated with RDLC or Crystal Reports.

Generate PDF-417 with ASCII Text (Including Control Characters)

For standard printable ASCII text, directly assign the string to the barcode Data property.
For non-printable ASCII control characters, convert values to the ~ddd format (example: carriage return = ~013).
Set the ProcessTilde property to true to enable parsing of the special ~ddd character format.

Generate PDF-417 with Unicode Multi-Language Text

Set the EncodeUnicodeText property to true to enable multi-language character support.
Assign your Unicode text string to the barcode Data property.
We recommend using a Unicode-compatible font (such as Arial Unicode MS) in RDLC report settings.

Other Supported Data Formats for RDLC Reports

Binary Data: Embed file content (such as PDF snippets) using Byte Compaction mode for RDLC reports
ECI Mode: Support extended non-Latin character sets (Arabic, Cyrillic, etc.) via Extended Channel Interpretation

PDF-417 Dimension Settings for RDLC Local Reports (C# .NET)

Proper dimension settings prevent barcode distortion, ensuring clear printing and reliable scanning in RDLC reports. We recommend matching barcode dimensions to the RDLC Image control size for consistent rendering.

Basic Dimension Configuration

Define the unit of measure (inches or centimeters) for the barcode size.
Set fixed BarcodeWidth and BarcodeHeight values to match your RDLC report layout.

Advanced Dimension Customization

AutoResize: Set to false to enable manual X and XtoYRatio adjustments
X: Defines the width of a single barcode module (follow application minimum size requirements)
XtoYRatio: Bar width-to-height ratio (default value: 0.3333333f)
RowCount: Total number of barcode rows (valid range: 3 - 90)
ColumnCount: Total number of barcode columns (valid range: 1 - 30)
Quiet Zone Margins: LeftMargin, RightMargin, TopMargin, BottomMargin (minimum recommended width: 2X)

Note
After configuring dimensions, check the RDLC report viewer to confirm no stretching or compression occurs. Adjust RowCount or ColumnCount if encoded data exceeds the current symbol capacity. The barcode library will auto-adjust dimensions if needed, but manual tuning improves report layout consistency.

Advanced PDF-417 Options for RDLC Local Reports (C# .NET)

PDF-417 Error Correction Level (ECL) Configuration

Every PDF-417 barcode includes built-in error correction for improved reliability in printed reports. This works like a data backup system: higher levels store more recovery data but reduce usable storage space. You may select error correction levels from 0 to 8, with level 0 offering minimal correction and level 8 maximum protection.

Error Correction Level & Corresponding Codewords

Level 0: 2 error correction codewords
Level 1: 4 error correction codewords
Level 2: 8 error correction codewords
Level 3: 16 error correction codewords
Level 4: 32 error correction codewords
Level 5: 64 error correction codewords
Level 6: 128 error correction codewords
Level 7: 256 error correction codewords
Level 8: 512 error correction codewords

Generate Compact (Truncated) PDF-417 for RDLC

Truncated PDF-417 creates a smaller barcode for space-limited RDLC report layouts. This mode is best for low-risk environments where barcode physical damage is unlikely.

Note:
We recommend confirming scanner compatibility with truncated PDF-417 symbols before deployment. Verify the truncated barcode renders clearly and scans without errors in the RDLC report.

Generate Macro PDF-417 for RDLC Reports

Macro PDF-417 splits large datasets across multiple barcode symbols, similar to structured append modes in other 2D barcodes. This is ideal for long RDLC reports with extensive data payloads, and works with RDLC Subreport controls.

Splits data across up to 99,999 individual PDF-417 symbols
Stores metadata to reconstruct full data regardless of scan order
Fully compatible with .NET ReportViewer and Crystal Reports viewer controls

Frequently Asked Questions

What purposes does PDF417 serve?

PDF417 is a high-density stacked 2D barcode. It's used in various fields like driver's licenses, airline boarding passes, transportation, and inventory control. And also is a versatile 2D barcode commonly You'll find it on items like driver's licenses, airline boarding passes, and government ID cards.

What makes PDF417 and QR Code different from each other?

PDF417 and QR Code are both 2D barcodes. PDF417 offers higher damage resistance (50%) than QR codes (30%).

How much information can a PDF417 store?

With error correction level set to 0:

For text: 1,850 characters
For binary data: 1,108 bytes
For numerals only: 2,710 digits

How is the aspect ratio of a PDF417 calculated?

For a printed PDF417 barcode, its aspect ratio depends on two dimensions:

X: The width of the thinnest bar and thinnest space.
Y: The height of each row.

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PDF417 for RDLC

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