The number of characters that a string coded in PDF417 can contain depends on the mode used which is determined by the string content (text, numeric, image, etc.). FORMS currently supports these modes:
Text compaction mode: 1850
Byte compaction mode (SP14 and later): 1108
Numeric compaction mode (SP14 and later): 2710
Mixed mode codes (SP14 and later):
These are the maximum numbers allowed for each mode which means that they do not allow for any margin of error. To allow for error correction, use the recommended levels for PDF417 barcodes.
At present, interpretation of PDF417 barcodes has the following limitation:
The code must not be truncated.
Keep in mind when you use PDF417:
See to it that the barcode is placed on an empty background with plenty of space around it.
The larger the bars in the barcode, the easier it is for FORMS to interpret it.