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pdf417 Barcode
Generate pdf417 Barcodes
Implement seamlessly across Crystal Reports, MS Excel, and MS Access
Barcodesoft PDF417 Encoder
PDF417 is a high-capacity 2D barcode capable of encoding over 1,000 alphanumeric characters, including extended ASCII, in a single symbol. It relies on Reed-Solomon error correction, with security levels from 0 (automatic) to 9—higher levels increase size but reduce decoding errors. The Barcodesoft PDF417 encoder integrates with Excel, Access, and Crystal Reports, offering the crUFLbcs.dll library with separate interfaces for PDF417 and MicroPDF417. The simple `Encode` method returns hex codes for font-based rendering, while the flexible `EncodeCR` lets you control rows, columns, security, compaction mode (text, numeric, binary, or mixed), and truncation. This makes PDF417 ideal for dense data storage in logistics, IDs, and documents.
Overview
PDF417 is a 2D barcode symbology. It has a unique structure and large data capacity.
PDF417 empowers you to encode over 1000 alpha-numeric characters within one symbol, both ASCII and extended ASCII characters.
Therefore, PDF417 barcode is a good solution for encoding large quantities of data in one symbol.
PDF417 uses Reed-Solomon-algorithm for error correction. The higher security level is, the larger size of pdf417, the less decipher error chance. If not specified, software will use default level 0. Level 0 means automatic security selection.
You can integrate Barcodesoft PDF417 software with MS Excel, MS Access and Crystal Reports.
The software also has a solution for MicroPDF417 encoding.
crUFLbcs.dll has a IPDF417 interface. IPDF417 interface has two methods: Encode and EncodeCR.
crUFLbcs.dll also has a IMicroPDF417 interface. IMicroPDF417 interface has two methods: Encode and EncodeCR.
Encode accepts only one parameter as input. it returns PDF417 in hex codes. After using the bcspdf417 font, returned hex codes will become a PDF417 barcode.
Encode(strToEncode)
EncodeCR accepts seven parameters as input. It returns PDF417 in hex codes. After using the bcspdf417 font, returned hex codes will become a PDF417 barcode.
EncodeCR(strToEncode, index, MaxRow, FixedColumn, Security, CompactionMode, Truncated)
The first parameter is a string to encode.
The second parameter is an integer variable. When set to zero, it returns all codewords. When it is 1, it returns the first 250 codewords. When it is 2, it returns the second 250 codewords. And so on.
The third parameter is an integer variable. It sets the Max-Rows of a PDF417 barcode.
The fourth parameter is an integer variable. It sets the column number of a PDF417 barcode.
The fifth parameter is an integer variable. It sets the security level of a PDF417 bar code. When set to zero, it means automatic security selection. Security level ranges from zero to nine.
The sixth parameter is an integer variable. It sets the compaction mode of PDF417. Zero means mixed mode, 1 means Text Mode, 2 means Numeric Mode, and 3 means Binary Mode.
The seventh parameter is a boolean variable. It sets the PDF417’s truncated option.
This is the pricing list of Barcodesoft PDF417 barcode software:
Barcodesoft PDF417 Barcode Fonts Pricing
| License Type | Single | 5-User | 10-User | Site | Corporate | Dev | 5-Dev | 10-Dev | Unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CAD299 | CAD399 | CAD599 | CAD799 | CAD999 | CAD1199 | CAD1399 | CAD1999 | CAD2999 |
How to generate PDF417 barcode in Crystal Reports?
How to generate a PDF417 barcode in Crystal Reports?
To generate a PDF417 barcode in Crystal Reports, create a new formula field using the BCSPDF417EncodeCR function from the Barcodesoft UFL library. Pass your database fields as arguments, place the formula field on your design canvas, and apply the BcsPdf417 font family.
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Step 1: Determine SAP Crystal Reports Bitness and Register DLL
Determine the bitness of your SAP Crystal Reports version. SAP Crystal Reports 2008 through 2016 are 32-bit, while SAP Crystal Reports 2020 and 2025 are 64-bit.
For 64-bit Crystal Reports (2020 / 2025):
Run Command Prompt as Administrator and execute:
cd "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Barcodesoft\FontUtil"
%systemroot%\System32\regsvr32.exe cruflbcs_x64.dll
For 32-bit Crystal Reports (2008–2016):
Run Command Prompt as Administrator and execute:
cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Barcodesoft\FontUtil"
regsvr32.exe cruflbcs.dll
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Step 2: Locate the Barcodesoft UFL Function
In Crystal Reports, navigate through the function explorer hierarchy: Functions List ⇒ Additional Functions ⇒ COM and .NET UFLs (u212com.dll) ⇒ Visual Basic UFLs. Double-click on the BCSPDF417EncodeCR function.
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Step 3: Create a New Formula Field
Right-click Formula Fields and choose New... from the context menu. Name your new field "BcsPdf4171", then click "Use Editor".
During the PDF417 encoding process, strings often produce more code words than expected. Since Crystal Reports limits formula fields to 255 characters, you must split the resulting PDF417 code words across multiple formula fields and concatenate them in a single Text Object. Check how many fields are needed by running this function:
BCSPDF417FormulaNoForCR({Test.Data}) -
Step 4: Create Multiple Formula Fields
Create multiple formula fields sequentially as listed below if the returned value of
BCSPDF417FormulaNoForCR({Test.Data})is larger than one. Then, place them side-by-side within the same Text Object container.BCSPDF417EncodeCR({Test.Data}, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)
BCSPDF417EncodeCR({Test.Data}, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)
BCSPDF417EncodeCR({Test.Data}, 3, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)
Parameter Positions Summary:
1st: Data string to encode | 2nd: Sequence chunk index | 3rd: MaxRow | 4th: FixedColumn | 5th: Security level | 6th: Compaction Mode | 7th: Truncated option
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Step 5: Insert a Text Object in Your Report
Drag and drop all your sequential formula fields into this single text object. You will see fallback text or hex codes initially layout on your design canvas. Do not worry; the actual barcode will render once the typeface is configured.
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Step 6: Apply the BcsPdf417 Font Typeface
Right-click the Text Object container and choose Format Object from the context menu. Under the Font selection pane, choose "BcsPdf417" as your active font typeface.
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Step 7: Verify PDF417 Barcode Generation
Click the OK button. The fallback characters will instantly convert and display as a structured PDF417 stacked barcode inside your report template view.
