Understand Bar Code Settings

When you convert an answer to a PDF417 bar code format, you can control some of the settings that are used to generate the bar code. These specifications are frequently determined by the agency to which you are submitting your form. Please check with the agency to determine which settings to specify.

• X-Dimension (module width): The X-dimension is the width of the narrowest bar in a printed bar code. The smaller the number, the stricter the requirements are for printing the bar code. (For example, the bar code must be printed on higher quality paper, etc.)
• Module aspect ratio: This determines the range of angles with which the bar code can be scanned. For example, when placed under the scanner, must the paper be flat and facing a single direction, or will the scanner be able to read the data regardless of how it's placed? The higher the number, the less restrictive the placement of the paper under the scanner will be.
• Number of rows and Number of columns: These numbers control the number of rows and columns that appear in the bar code. These settings determine the width and/or height of the bar code.
• Error level: This determines the redundancy of information in the bar code to compensate for any damage that may be done to the bar code (for example, if the paper is torn or if other marks have been made on the bar code). The higher the number, the less data can be stored in the bar code. (However, the greater the chances are that the bar code will be readable.)
• Encoding: This setting allows answers that contain foreign characters to be encoded so they can be represented in the bar code correctly. To properly encode foreign characters, you must select UTF-8 from the drop-down list. (Choosing ANSI encodes the text in non-Unicode format, which means if you use foreign characters in the text, these characters may not appear correctly.)

Additional information about the PDF417 bar code specification can be found on the Internet.