When preparing documents for long-term archiving, choosing the right PDF/A standard is essential. On PDF2Go, the "Convert PDF to PDF/A" tool lets you select from several options — including PDF/A-1A, PDF/A-1B, PDF/A-2A, PDF/A-2B, and PDF/A-2U. But what do these versions mean?
What's the difference between PDF/A-1 and PDF/A-2? And which one should you choose?
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is a specialized version of the PDF format, designed for long-term archiving and digital preservation. First published by the ISO in 2005, its main goal is to ensure that documents remain viewable and consistent — no matter how technology evolves.
PDF/A ensures that your document:
- Is fully self-contained (no external fonts or links)
- Looks the same on any device or software in the future
- Is accessible, especially for people with visual impairments
PDF/A-1: The Original Standard
PDF/A-1 is based on the PDF 1.4 specification. It includes the essential features for long-term archiving, such as:
- Ensuring consistent visual appearance
- Embedding fonts
- Supporting basic metadata and accessibility
You can choose:
- PDF/A-1A: Full accessibility and document structure (great for screen readers and tagging)
- PDF/A-1B: Focuses on visual preservation only (smaller file size, faster processing)
📌 Best for: Simple documents that don't require advanced features like transparency, layers, or embedded files.
PDF/A-2: The Advanced Option
Released in 2011, PDF/A-2 builds on PDF 1.7 and introduces new features that modern users might need. This version is not a replacement for PDF/A-1 — but an alternative for those who want extra flexibility.
Key enhancements in PDF/A-2:
- Transparency support (drop shadows, highlights, etc.)
- JPEG2000 compression (better for color-rich scans and images)
- Embedded file collections (grouping multiple PDFs, like email + attachments)
- Optional content layers (useful for maps or multilingual manuals)
- Improved digital signature support
- New conformance level: PDF/A-2U — enables Unicode text searching and copying
- Updated Comments and Annotations - Expands the range of allowable annotation types (like text editing comments) while maintaining archival reliability.
- Object-Level XMP Metadata - Adds support for custom metadata at the object level — enabling advanced categorization and automation in document management systems.
You can choose:
- PDF/A-2A: Accessible and fully structured (best for compliance)
- PDF/A-2B: Focuses on visual preservation
- PDF/A-2U: Adds Unicode support for better search and copy features
📌 Best for: Complex documents, scanned files, or anything requiring enhanced archiving features.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | PDF/A-1 | PDF/A-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Based on PDF version | 1.4 | Up to 1.7 / ISO 32000-1 |
| ट्रांसपेरेंसी | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported |
| JPEG2000 compression | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported |
| Embedded PDF collections | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported |
| Optional content (layers) | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported |
| Digital signatures | ✅ Basic support | ✅ Improved interoperability |
| Unicode conformance level | ❌ Not available | ✅ PDF/A-2U |
Do You Need to Upgrade from PDF/A-1 to PDF/A-2?
Not necessarily. PDF/A-1 documents are valid and reliable for archiving. However, if your documents benefit from features like transparency, layers, or Unicode support — PDF/A-2 is the better choice.
👉 PDF/A-3 adds support for embedding non-PDF files like XML, CSV, or other formats, making it ideal when you need to archive both documents and accompanying data files.
PDF2Go allows you to select the PDF/A level that fits your needs!
How to Convert PDF to PDF/A with PDF2Go?
- Visit the Website: Choose PDF से PDF/A में बदलें tool.
- Upload your file: Click "Choose File" to upload your PDF. You can also drag and drop the file into the box. Alternatively, you can upload a file via URL or from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Select your PDF/A format: Choose the format you want to convert to – PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, or PDF/A-3.
- Start the conversion: Click the "START" button to begin converting your file.
- Download your file: Once the conversion is complete, download your new PDF/A file.
In Conclusion
Understanding the difference between PDF/A-1 and PDF/A-2 helps you choose the right format for your document archiving needs. While PDF/A-1 is still widely supported and perfectly suitable for many use cases, PDF/A-2 offers valuable improvements.
With PDF2Go's – PDF से PDF/A में बदलें tool, selecting the right standard and converting your documents is simple, fast, and accessible—whether you're preserving scanned files, legal documents, or digital records for the long term. Give it a try today!
Can I Validate PDF/A?
Yes, you can! PDF2Go also offers a PDF/A validator to check if your files meet the required archiving standards.
👉 Learn more about PDF/A validation यहाँ.
