PDF/A is a standards family, not a single checkbox. PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2 and PDF/A-4 are based on different generations of PDF and permit different capabilities.
The correct target is the one specified by the archive or regulator; newer is not automatically compatible with an older intake system.
PDF/A-1 favors an older baseline
PDF/A-1 is based on PDF 1.4 and is widely recognized in established archives, but it has stricter limitations around newer PDF features.
PDF/A-2 supports later PDF capabilities
PDF/A-2 is based on ISO 32000-1 and can support features such as transparency more naturally. This website’s conversion tool targets PDF/A-2, but the output should still be validated.
- Confirm the exact conformance level.
- Check embedded fonts and color.
- Retain the validator report when policy requires it.
PDF/A-4 follows PDF 2.0
PDF/A-4 modernizes the archival profile around PDF 2.0. Adoption depends on the receiving system, so confirm support before migrating records.