Convert _PDF to PDF

Understanding PDF and PDF/A file formats

The PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely used file format developed by Adobe Systems for representing documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. It is commonly used for sharing and printing documents due to its ability to preserve formatting across different platforms.

The PDF/A is a variant of PDF specifically designed for digital preservation of electronic documents. It ensures that the document can be reproduced exactly the same way in the future. PDF/A achieves this by embedding all necessary information, such as fonts and color profiles, within the file, and by disallowing certain features like encryption and external content references.

Why convert PDF to PDF/A?

Converting a PDF to PDF/A is essential for long-term archiving and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. PDF/A ensures that documents remain accessible and readable over time, regardless of the software used to open them in the future.

Best software for PDF to PDF/A conversion

There are several software options available for converting PDF to PDF/A. Here are some of the best:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro DC: A comprehensive tool for creating, editing, and converting PDF files. To convert a PDF to PDF/A, open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, go to File → Save As Other → Archivable PDF (PDF/A).
• PDF/A Converter: A dedicated tool for converting PDF files to PDF/A format. It offers batch conversion and supports various PDF/A standards.
• PDF24 Creator: A free tool that provides a simple way to convert PDF files to PDF/A. Open the PDF in PDF24 Creator and select File → Save As → PDF/A.

Steps to convert PDF to PDF/A using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

1. Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
2. Navigate to File → Save As Other → Archivable PDF (PDF/A).
3. Select the desired PDF/A standard (e.g., PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b).
4. Click Save to complete the conversion.