PDF Vs PDF/A 2022: Top Full Comparison

PDF vs PDF/A are both file formats for electronic documents, but they have different purposes. PDF is a generic format that can be used for any document, while PDF/A is a more specific format that is intended for documents that will be printed or published.

PDF is a file format used to present documents in a fixed layout, regardless of the software used to create them. PDF/A is a subset of the PDF specification designed for long-term archiving. We compared all the differences between PDF/A and PDF in this article.

Contents

1 What is PDF/A?
2 What is PDF?
3 Difference Between PDF and PDF/A
4 FAQ
5 Conclusion

What is PDF/A?

This method is best for special tasks such as embedding or archiving. It’s a subset of PDF and a specific type of PDF. The PDF/A format allows users to save and archive data for long-term purposes. This mode is useful for retrieving data after a long period. It ensures no loss of content and preserves the original format.

Other functions, such as picture insertion, are also permitted in PDF/A. They are embedded with the fonts used to render the documents. This method does not allow the file to be referred to from any external source. It is impossible to know if the recourse exists or not.

These types of files have the advantage of being reproducible because they include attributes. These files can be copied to have the same elements as the original. It does not allow for any modifications or changes. This ensures that the content is original.

The encryption mode of PDF/A does not allow data to be encrypted. A company must secure confidential files and other documents by using encryption. Only authorized employees or individuals can access encrypted files.

What is PDF?

Adobe’s co-founder in 1991 launched the digital paper revolution. The digital paper revolution was born when the copies you hold in your hands could be sent electronically to anyone anywhere on the planet. Camelot was his name for the project. It was renamed PDF in 1992.

It is the most widely used format in the entire world. It is a strong and bold format with a lot of trust from companies. PDF has many attributes that make it easy for people to use. It is a standard file format known as ISO 32000. It includes image insertion and text formatting.

You can include a variety of content in PDF. You can include flat text graphics and interactive elements such as annotations and form fields. There are also layers, media content, and 2-D and 3-D objects using U3D or PRC. You can also attach files and metadata to PDF to facilitate workflow.

It can be saved as extensions like PDF. A PDF combines text, vector graphics, and Bitmap graphics. It allows for many other types of files. It is simple to use and open-source. People involved in document work know the importance of this format.

Difference Between PDF and PDF/A

Adobe’s Portable Document Format (or simply PDF) has been the most popular in the world for making sure that documents appear correctly regardless of which computer they are viewed or created. This format is widely used in digital book publishing, where all readers are compatible.

A different PDF/A type is also available. PDF/A is a subset that can be used for the preservation of information. PDF/A has a stricter standard than PDF. It preserves the file contents and ensures that they will remain as they are even after long storage.

First, PDF/A has a restriction on certain content types. A PDF/A cannot contain audio, video, or executable files. The PDF viewer will not open them, and it is impossible to know if the software will still be available.

Images are permitted in PDF/A documents, provided they are embedded with the fonts used to render the documents. This makes it possible always to have these resources.

The PDF/A format does not permit a file to refer to an external resource. It is impossible to know if that resource might be available. It is possible for the document not to appear properly if the referenced external resource is not found.

For the same reasons mentioned above, PDF/A files can’t be encrypted. Companies use encryption to protect restricted material from being viewed without permission. Unfortunately, encryption can be a barrier to viewing archived documents if the person opening them doesn’t have the password and encryption algorithms.

As the PDF standard evolves, there will likely be new capabilities and restrictions for PDF/A.

Some relevant articles:

FAQ

How do I convert a PDF A to a PDF?

Acrobat 9 Pro: Saving to PDF/A

Open the PDF file you want to convert to PDF/A.
Click File / Save as
The Save As window appears.
Select PDF/A from the Save as Type dropdown menu located at the bottom.
Click on the Settings button.
The Preflight: Convert To PDF/A Window appears.
To save to PDF/A-1b, click OK again.

How can I tell if something is saved as PDF A?

Open the Print Production panel in the Tools pane and choose Preflight. You can activate the Print Production panel by pressing the little button in the upper right corner. Once the preflight profiles are loaded, you will see a section PDF/A compliance.

Can you edit PDF A?

You can edit PDF/A documents by going to the Preferences tab. Change the setting for View PDF/A documents in PDF/A mode from never. We hope this helps.

How do I view PDF files?

You’ll see the standard search box by default if you open Adobe Reader, press CTRL + F, and then close it. It’s located in the top right of the menu bar. You can use the advanced PDF search option by choosing Open Full Reader Search from the drop-down menu or pressing SHIFT+CTRL+F.

Conclusion

This article compares the benefits of PDF and PDF/A file formats. We found that PDF/A offers several advantages over PDF, including improved security, easier searchability, and better compatibility with document management systems. We hope you found this information helpful!