PDF/A

PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of the "Portable Document Format" (PDF). PDF/A (A = Archiving) is a subset of the PDF options specifically for the requirements of long-term archiving and barrier freedom, and also for reproduction on mobile terminals such as PDAs. This standard is a subset of PDF 1.4 and is specified under ISO 19005-1:2005.

The standard specifies two levels of conformity:

PDF/A-1a - Level A conformance in part 1

PDF/A-1b - Level B conformance in part 1 (restricted requirements)

Note: The new version PDF/A-2 is currently still in the standardization process. It is based on the PDF Reference Version 1.6 and is not yet supported by n2pdf.

Conformity

Level A conformity

A Level A conformant PDF file meets all requirements of the ISO Standard 19005-1:2005. A file like this is called "PDF/A-1a conformant".

Level B conformity

A Level B conformant PDF file meets all requirements of the ISO Standard 19005-1:2005 which relate to the visual appearance of the electronic document. Structural or semantic settings need not be observed. A file like this is called "PDF/A-1b conformant".

n2pdf supports the stricter conformity PDF/A-1a.

To create a PDF file which meets the requirements of PDF/A, the option N2PDFOPTION_PDF_PDFA_MODE must be set with the function N2PDFSetOption. The following parameters are available:

Note: Please note that the activation of the PDF/A conformity causes some settings in n2pdf to be automatically deactivated. This relates e.g. to the font embedding or encryption of the file. It can also cause e.g. a marked change to the size of the PDF file.