Use a repeatable convert-check-review workflow before an archive or filing portal receives the document.
- Why the conformance label is not the validation result: A file can carry a PDF/A label and still contain conditions that make a validator reject it.
- Convert and validate the exact submission copy: Validation should happen after every operation that can rewrite the file, including signing, merging, compressing or adding metadata.
- What belongs in the archival evidence package: Keep the source, the converted archive copy and the validation result together.
Use these checks before completing How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission.
Why the conformance label is not the validation result
A file can carry a PDF/A label and still contain conditions that make a validator reject it.
Validation should happen after every operation that can rewrite the file, including signing, merging, compressing or adding metadata.
Decision table for How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission
| Checkpoint | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Why the conformance label is not the validation result | A file can carry a PDF/A label and still contain conditions that make a validator reject it. |
| Convert and validate the exact submission copy | Validation should happen after every operation that can rewrite the file, including signing, merging, compressing or adding metadata. |
| What belongs in the archival evidence package | Keep the source, the converted archive copy and the validation result together. |
Convert and validate the exact submission copy
- Keep the original source and make a separate archival copy.
- Convert the final content to the required PDF/A level.
- Run the checker on the exact file you plan to submit.
- Review warnings and repeat conversion after any repair.
Workflow graph for How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission
What belongs in the archival evidence package
Keep the source, the converted archive copy and the validation result together. If the portal changes the file during upload, download its accepted copy when possible and compare its checksum or validate it again.
Review form for How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission
Tools to put “How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission” into practice
Create the archival copy with PDF to PDF/A conversion, then validate the exact PDF/A file intended for submission. Read when PDF/A is required before choosing a profile.
Keep reading after How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission
After completing the checks for How to Validate a PDF/A File Before Submission, 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.
When should PDF/A validation happen?
Validate after the last operation that rewrites the PDF. Signing, merging, compression and metadata edits can all change a previously valid file.
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