ISO IEC 15438-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — PDF417 bar code symbology specification. This International Standard specifies the PDF417 stacked (2D) barcode symbology including symbol structure, codeword encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, error correction rules and a reference decoding algorithm, together with a set of application parameters for interoperable use.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 15438:2015 defines the technical requirements for creating and decoding PDF417 symbols. It updates and consolidates previous editions, setting normative rules for codeword values, compaction modes (numeric, text, byte), symbol sizes and shapes, error-correction (Reed–Solomon family) levels and a reference decoding algorithm to ensure reliable interchange of encoded data. The 2015 edition supersedes earlier editions (including 2006) and is published as Edition 3.0.

General information

• Status: Current / valid international standard.
• Publication date: 14 September 2015 (publication: 2015-09-14).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) / IEC (joint ISO/IEC standard).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.50 — Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2015).
• Number of pages: 108 pages (approx.).

Scope

Specifies the requirements for the PDF417 bar code symbology: symbol composition (rows, start/stop patterns, row indicators), data codeword encodation (numeric, text, byte/ binary compaction modes), symbol format variants (including Truncated/Compact and Macro PDF417 application support), dimensional tolerances, recommended error‑correction levels and a reference decoding algorithm for interoperability across encoders and decoders. The standard is intended to enable consistent creation and reliable reading of PDF417 symbols across applications and industries.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of codewords and base‑929 encoding (codeword set of values 0–928).
• Compaction modes: numeric, text (with submodes), byte/binary, and automatic switching rules to optimise capacity.
• Symbol structure: row layout, start/stop patterns, left/right row indicators and quiet zone requirements.
• Dimensioning rules and module (X) sizing tolerances to ensure scannability at expected print/scan conditions.
• Error detection and correction: Reed–Solomon based error‑correction with multiple levels (EC levels 0–8, varying numbers of ECC codewords) and recommendations for practical EC levels depending on application risk.
• Reference decoding algorithm: normative guidance to ensure interoperable decoding implementations.
• Application parameters and profiles (including Macro PDF417 support for segmented payloads where required).

Typical use and users

Used by standards implementers, barcode software and hardware vendors (encoders, label printers, imaging-based scanners), document and ID-card issuers, transport and logistics providers, government agencies and systems integrators who require a high-capacity, reliable stacked barcode. Common applications include identity documents, transport & ticketing, inventory labeling and any use requiring compact encoding of variable-length data with robust error correction.

Related standards

ISO/IEC 15438:2015 replaces ISO/IEC 15438:2006. It is produced under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques) and is typically used alongside other AIDC standards such as barcode print quality and testing standards (for example ISO/IEC 15416 and related EN/BS equivalents), and other symbology specifications (e.g., QR and Data Matrix family standards) when designing multi-code ecosystems.

Keywords

PDF417, barcode, stacked symbology, automatic identification, data capture, Reed–Solomon error correction, compaction modes, codeword, reference decoding algorithm, Macro PDF417, truncated/compact PDF417.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15438:2015 is the international specification for the PDF417 bar code symbology — a stacked (multi-row) 2D barcode used to encode variable-length data with configurable error correction and several compaction modes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers symbol definition and dimensions, codeword encodation and compaction modes (numeric/text/byte), error detection and Reed–Solomon based error correction rules and levels, reference decoding algorithm, and application parameters including Macro and truncated variants for special uses.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Barcode hardware and software vendors, printing and labelling suppliers, government ID and DMV agencies, logistics and transport systems integrators, and any organisation that needs to produce or read PDF417 symbols reliably in their workflow.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2015 edition (published 14 September 2015) is the current edition and supersedes the 2006 edition. Users should check their national/regional standards bodies or the ISO/IEC catalog for any later amendments or replacements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the body of ISO/IEC AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) standards developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 and is commonly used together with related quality, testing and symbology specifications within that suite.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PDF417, stacked barcode, codeword, compaction, Reed–Solomon, error correction, Macro PDF417, truncated PDF417, automatic identification and data capture.