Width, height & X-dimension
The xdim setting applies only when the image width and height are not used. Your application may omit w and h to size the barcode by its modules.
API OVERVIEW
One request. One barcode image.
BCMaker's PDF417 CGI generator accepts both GET and POST requests. Supply barcode data and optional settings to generate a PDF417 image.
GET
https://www.bcmaker.com/cgi-bin/pdf417cgidParameters documented18
Supported methodsGET / POST
Barcode typePDF417
01 / BASICS
Image & Data
Set the encoded content and the dimensions of the resulting barcode image.
| Parameter | Description | Accepted values | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
data | Content to encode in the PDF417 symbol. | Text or numeric data; pass as a URL-encoded query value. | 1234567 |
w | Width of the generated barcode image, in pixels. | Image width in pixels. | 200 |
h | Height of the generated barcode image, in pixels. | Image height in pixels. | 100 |
xdim | X-dimension — the width of the narrowest barcode module. | Used only when w and h are not specified. | 2 |
y2x | Ratio of the module height (Y) to its width (X). | Numeric ratio, for example 4.0. | 4.0 |
02 / ENCODING
Encoding & Structure
Control compaction, error correction, symbol columns and rows, and the compact PDF417 format.
| Parameter | Description | Accepted values | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
cmode | Selects the PDF417 data compaction mode. | 0–3 | 0 |
ecl | Sets the error correction level. | 0–9 | 9 |
col | Sets the number of data columns. | 0 (automatic) through 30 | 3 |
row | Sets the number of rows. | 0 (automatic), or 3–90 | 0 |
cpdf | Selects regular or compact PDF417. | 0 = normal; 1 = compact | 1 |
03 / APPEARANCE
Appearance & Colors
Adjust orientation, quiet zones, alignment and colors of the generated barcode.
| Parameter | Description | Accepted values | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
angle | Rotates the generated barcode. | 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees | 0 |
quiet | Controls whether quiet zones are shown around the symbol. | 0 = hide; 1 = show | 1 |
alignh | Horizontal alignment of the barcode within the image. | 0–3 | 1 |
alignv | Vertical alignment of the barcode within the image. | 0–3 | 1 |
bcolor | Background color. | 6-digit RGB hexadecimal, 000000–ffffff, without # | ffffff |
fcolor | Color of the barcode modules. | 6-digit RGB hexadecimal, 000000–ffffff, without # | 000000 |
04 / UTILITIES
Help & Debug
Access server-provided help and troubleshooting information.
| Parameter | Description | Accepted values | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
help | Requests help information from the PDF417 CGI application. | Use help=1 to display the documentation. | — |
debug | Requests diagnostic information about errors. | Can be passed in the query string (for example, debug=1). | — |
EXAMPLE REQUEST
Generate a PDF417 barcode
This example encodes 1234567 and explicitly specifies the format and appearance settings used in the BCMaker demo.
PDF417 • GET
https://www.bcmaker.com/cgi-bin/pdf417cgid?data=1234567&cmode=0&ecl=9&col=3&row=0&cpdf=0&angle=0&quiet=1&alignh=1&alignv=1&bcolor=ffffff&fcolor=000000&y2x=4.0&xdim=2&w=&h=&submit=+Generate+PDF417+&debug=1GOOD TO KNOW
Implementation Notes
RGB colors
Specify bcolor and fcolor as six hexadecimal digits, without the # prefix. For example, blue is 0000ff.
Compact PDF417 default
The CGI help documents cpdf=1 as the server default. The BCMaker demo example explicitly sends cpdf=0 for a normal PDF417 symbol.
Server documentation
Parameter descriptions and default values here follow the official PDF417 CGI help. For version-specific details, use the server's own help page.
Ready to generate a barcode?
Open the BCMaker barcode types and select PDF417 to configure a request visually.