The "PDF417 micro" barcode is a compact version of the PDF417 barcode, designed to encode information in a smaller space. It is a two-dimensional barcode that can store significantly more data than a traditional linear barcode. The design of a PDF417 barcode is quite intricate: it consists of stacked rows of code words, which are groups of bars and spaces that represent text, numbers, bytes, and various functions. Each code word in the PDF417 can represent one of 929 values, and a barcode can have between 3 to 90 stacked rows.

The encoding capabilities of the PDF417 are extensive. It can operate in three modes: Text Compaction mode for encoding text, Byte Compaction mode for encoding bytes of data, and Numeric Compaction mode for encoding numerical data. This flexibility allows the PDF417 to encode up to 1,850 text characters, 1,108 bytes, or 2,710 digits, making it incredibly versatile for various data types.

PDF417 barcodes are used in a variety of applications. They are commonly found on identification cards, driver's licenses, and passports due to their high data capacity and security features. The transportation sector also utilizes these barcodes for boarding passes and logistics management. In inventory management, PDF417 barcodes can store information about products, such as price, quantity, and even images.

The design and usage of PDF417 barcodes, including the micro version, reflect their utility in securely and efficiently storing large amounts of data in a physically compact form. This makes them an essential tool in data management and security across multiple industries. The PDF417 micro, with its smaller size, extends these benefits to applications where space is at a premium, without compromising the amount of data that can be encoded.