What HIBC PDF417 is
HIBC PDF417 is the PDF417 member of the Health Industry Business Communications family, alongside the already-covered HIBC Code 128, HIBC QR Code, HIBC Data Matrix, and HIBC Code 39. bwip-js computes/validates its own HIBC Modulo-43 check character, then delegates the actual symbol drawing to its PDF417 encoder -- confirmed directly, the same delegation shape as every other HIBC-family member.
Generate it now
Enter your HIBC data (WITHOUT a leading "+") to see a live preview -- bwip-js automatically prepends the required HIBC Labeler Identification Code flag character and computes/appends the check character for you.
Valid input
The value must not be empty ("The data must not be empty") and must contain only digits, capital letters, spaces, and the symbols -.$/+% (HIBC's own 43-character set), up to 12,500 characters ("The input data is too long"). bwip-js automatically prepends a literal "+" character at the start of the encoded value -- confirmed directly, this happens unconditionally regardless of what you type, so your own input should NOT include a leading "+". With validatecheck left at its real default (false), bwip-js computes and appends its own Modulo-43 check character; turning validatecheck on requires the input to already include one and rejects a mismatch ("Incorrect HIBC PDF417 check digit provided").
Key options
Supported options include columns and validatecheck. bwip-js's own real, literal default for columns is 2 -- genuinely this capability's own declared default, always forced into the options handed to its PDF417 delegate (not the delegate's own separate auto-sizing sentinel default). The real, enforced range is 1 to 30.
Output and printing
Export SVG for hospital/pharmacy label artwork or PNG for a quick proof.
Common uses
HIBC PDF417 appears on healthcare and medical product labels needing to carry more data than a linear HIBC symbology (like HIBC Code 39 or HIBC Code 128) can hold, using the Health Industry Business Communications labeling standard.
Example
See the live preview above, seeded with a bwip-js-verified valid value.
Size guidance
Since bwip-js draws HIBC PDF417's symbol using its PDF417 encoder, fixing columns changes the overall rows/columns layout the same way it does for the plain PDF417 capability.
Troubleshooting
A rejected value is usually an empty payload, a character outside HIBC's own 43-character set, a columns value outside 1-30, or -- with validatecheck on -- a trailing character that does not match bwip-js's own computed check character.
Related formats
Related formats: HIBC Code 128, HIBC QR Code, HIBC Data Matrix, and HIBC Code 39 (the other HIBC-family carriers already in this catalog) and PDF417 (the underlying 2D encoder this capability delegates to).
FAQ
Should I type a leading "+" in my HIBC data?
No -- bwip-js automatically prepends the required "+" Labeler Identification Code flag character to the encoded value. Including your own leading "+" would add an extra, unwanted character to the payload.
Do I need to compute the HIBC check character myself?
No -- leave validatecheck at its default (off) and bwip-js computes and appends the Modulo-43 check character for you. Turn validatecheck on only if your input already includes a check character you want verified.