What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized PDF variant designed for long-term archiving — all fonts and resources are embedded so the file renders identically forever.
PDF/A (ISO 19005) restricts the PDF specification to features safe for archiving: embedded fonts, no external dependencies, no JavaScript, no encryption. Common conformance levels include PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, and PDF/A-3. Government, legal, and compliance workflows often require PDF/A.
Also known as
- PDF/A-1
- PDF/A-2
- PDF/A-3
- archival PDF
Related terms
- Tagged PDF — A tagged PDF carries a hidden structure tree (headings, paragraphs, lists, tables) that screen readers and automation tools use to understand reading order.
- PDF/X — PDF/X is a PDF variant standardized for print production — color profiles, fonts, and bleeds are constrained so the file prints reliably.
Category: PDF Format