QR Code vs. PDF417: Which is Best for ID Cards?
When creating ID cards, the choice of barcode depends on one key factor: how much data do you need to store directly on the card?
QR Code: The Web-Linker
A **QR Code** is perfect for storing simple pieces of information, most commonly a URL. For an ID card, you could use a QR code to:
- Link to an online profile or directory page.
- Store a unique ID number for a web-based verification system.
- Contain vCard information for easy contact sharing.
It's simple, universally scannable by any smartphone, and great for interactive or online systems.
PDF417: The Portable Data File
**PDF417** isn't a square matrix; it's a stacked series of linear barcodes. This structure allows it to store a massive amount of data—over 1.1 kilobytes, which is enough to hold a photo, fingerprint data, signature, and detailed personal information.
This is why PDF417 is the standard for applications that require a large amount of data to be stored **offline**, directly on the card itself. You'll find it on:
- Most US driver's licenses.
- Airline boarding passes.
- Government identification cards.
The Verdict
The choice depends entirely on your system's needs:
- If your ID card system relies on a central database and you just need a simple way to look up a user (e.g., scan a code that opens `yourcompany.com/employee/123`), use a **QR Code**.
- If you need to store a large amount of user data directly and securely on the card for offline verification, **PDF417** is the required format.