Long-term Archiving with PDF/A

According to Adobe 10 percent of the documents on the Internet are PDF files. For many organisations, this file format is the norm for electronic documents. To read these documents, you would use the Adobe Reader, which sees frequent updates. What to do with the PDF files in your electronic archive? Will you still be able to read these with future readers?

Accessible files thanks to PDF/A

Yes, you can with PDF/Archive (PDF/A). PDF/A is a standard format that is based on PDF version 1.4. This file format ensures that you will be able to display and read your documents in the long term. Without regard to the tools you used to create, save and retrieve the files. This is because the PDF/A file contains all the functions that are needed for accessibility. Moreover, all functions that could impede access in the long run have been excluded.

Transparent and compliant

However, using PDF/A has even more advantages. You comply with the increasingly strict regulations and legislation. These stipulate that your – physical and digital - information environment is and remains transparent. With PDF/A, which has been certified internationally by the ISO, you can guarantee this.

Can be read by various readers

Moreover, PDF/A files can be read not only by the Adobe Reader, but by the readers of other manufacturers as well. That is another advantage, for the Adobe Reader has been given so many extra features, that each new version takes longer to start. Specific readers for PDF/A files are ‘lighter’, which means your documents appear on screen faster.

Document Dialog can help you with this

Document Dialog is happy to help you implement PDF/A in your organisation. We also supply the tools to convert XML data or print files for example directly to PDF/A. Or to check whether a PDF file truly meets the PDF/A standard. Make an appointment to discuss these options.