Choose the archival profile that matches the receiving organisation instead of assuming the newest level is always accepted.
- The practical differences between the PDF/A families: The PDF/A families differ in the PDF features they permit, including transparency, layers and embedded files.
- Match the profile to the receiving archive: A court or records system may require a specific profile, so local submission rules take priority over general advice.
- Avoid choosing PDF/A-3 only because it is newer: Write the required family and conformance level into the submission checklist.
Use these checks before completing PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3.
The practical differences between the PDF/A families
The PDF/A families differ in the PDF features they permit, including transparency, layers and embedded files.
A court or records system may require a specific profile, so local submission rules take priority over general advice.
Decision table for PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3
| Checkpoint | What to verify |
|---|---|
| The practical differences between the PDF/A families | The PDF/A families differ in the PDF features they permit, including transparency, layers and embedded files. |
| Match the profile to the receiving archive | A court or records system may require a specific profile, so local submission rules take priority over general advice. |
| Avoid choosing PDF/A-3 only because it is newer | Write the required family and conformance level into the submission checklist. |
Match the profile to the receiving archive
- Read the destination's current technical specification.
- Choose the lowest profile that preserves required content.
- Avoid PDF/A-3 attachments unless the archive explicitly permits them.
- Validate the finished file before transfer.
Workflow graph for PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3
Avoid choosing PDF/A-3 only because it is newer
Write the required family and conformance level into the submission checklist. A valid PDF/A-3 file can still be rejected by a repository that only accepts PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b.
Review form for PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3
Tools to put “PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3” into practice
Review the purpose and limits of PDF/A, create the requested profile with PDF to PDF/A, and pre-check the archive copy for PDF/A issues before delivery.
Keep reading after PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3
After completing the checks for PDF/A-1 vs PDF/A-2 vs PDF/A-3, continue with what PDF/A is for the related PDFBEAR workflow. Check profile, font and preservation details in the Library of Congress PDF/A format record.
Which PDF/A version should I choose by default?
Use the profile named by the archive, court or records policy. When none is specified, choose the lowest profile that preserves the document's required features and validate the result.
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