Validate PDF/A
About PDF/A Validation
PDF/A validation checks whether your document declares PDF/A conformance and inspects the key indicators below. It is a quick conformance check rather than a full ISO 19005 audit:
- Metadata: PDF/A identification in XMP metadata
- Fonts: All fonts must be embedded
- Encryption: Not allowed in PDF/A
- JavaScript: Not allowed in PDF/A
- Transparency: Only allowed in PDF/A-2 and later
Note: This tool checks compliance without modifying your file. To convert a non-compliant PDF, use Convert to PDF/A.
Tips for Best Results
- PDF/A-1b is the most widely accepted archival standard
- All fonts must be embedded for PDF/A compliance
- Transparency effects may prevent PDF/A-1b compliance
- Use Convert to PDF/A to fix non-compliant documents
- Remove password protection before validating
Frequently Asked Questions
PDF/A validation checks whether your document declares PDF/A conformance and inspects key indicators such as embedded fonts, correct metadata, and the absence of encryption. It is a quick conformance check, not a full ISO 19005 audit.
Validation checks whether your PDF already meets PDF/A standards — it reports pass or fail without modifying the file. Conversion takes a non-compliant PDF and transforms it into a compliant one by embedding fonts, converting colours, and adjusting metadata.
Use our Convert to PDF/A tool to automatically fix compliance issues. The converter embeds fonts, adjusts colour profiles, and removes features not allowed in PDF/A documents.
PDF/A is commonly required in government, legal, healthcare, financial services, and any sector that needs to preserve documents for regulatory compliance or long-term archiving.
Processed on ISO 27001-certified UK servers.
Files are encrypted in transit and automatically deleted.
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