Julia Reynolds's blog : What Makes PDF/A Different?
PDF is a trusted format for producing and preserving documents. Another format, known as PDF/A, might soon take over as PDF's successor. Think of it as an offshoot of PDF, though its future is speckled with uncertainties that we'll unravel here. This article will navigate through all there is about PDF/A, including its variants, how it diverges from PDF, and its advantages. Let's dive into the basics.
What Is PDF/A?
PDF/A, or Portable Document Format Archivable, raises questions despite PDF's current dominance. It's envisioned as the next step for PDF documents, echoing Adobe's original intent but enforcing stricter norms for its users.
PDF/A introduces a revamped version of PDF, packed with added features and functionalities. This doesn't inherently make it superior to PDF but offers an alternate route. It’s a mixed bag of gains and losses, a topic we'll explore further. But for now, let's focus on PDF/A as an archival format designed to ensure document consistency over time. Its defining traits distinguish it from other formats, including:
- Auto-Containment: This feature ensures all vital information, like text and graphics, is encapsulated within the document, forbidding external content.
- Self-Signing: Adding metadata through self-signing aids in comprehending document issues.
- Free Editing: This allows document editing across standard devices, supporting specific color components for universal display and printing.
PDF/A Variants
PDF/A branches into several formats, each characterized by distinct features and compatibility standards, specifying object and image support for content preservation.
The formats are categorized into three compliance levels:
- PDF/A-1b focuses on basic electronic readability without guaranteeing text clarity.
- PDF/A-2b introduces a Level B subset, aligning with ISO standards for creating document versions that mirror the original accurately.
- PDF/A-2u stands out with its "u" for Unicode, facilitating reliable Unicode text search and creation through OCR technology.
Differences Between PDF and PDF/A
The main difference between PDF and PDF/A lies in their scope and limitations. PDF/A, aimed at the long-term preservation of documents, restricts embedding of multimedia and executable files, and disallows encryption to ensure documents remain accessible. In contrast, PDF supports encryption and interactive content but may not be ideal for archival purposes. If you ever need to archive your PDF Files simply use One Convert - free online conversion tool.
Advantages of PDF/A
Despite its limitations, PDF/A has its perks, particularly for long-term storage across various sectors like archives, libraries, and financial institutions. It enables legal document binding, supports international content integration, and ensures data is accurately displayed across devices. PDF/A's independence and text searchability, even in scanned documents, are notable benefits.
Understanding PDF/A is essential for those looking to maintain their documents' integrity over time, offering a viable alternative to traditional PDF with specific advantages for archival needs.
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