PDF/A Archival Preflight
Read PDF/A-1b, 2b or 3b preservation clues in the actual PDF objects and separate violations from rules that still require a full validator.
Key features
- Parse real PDF objects and XMP pdfaid identity rather than trusting a filename or PDF/A banner
- Check encryption, ICC output intent structure, declared font programs and selected forbidden filters, actions and media
- Apply distinct PDF/A-1b restrictions on JPEG2000, transparency and attachments; distinguish PDF/A-2b/3b cases
- Show limited object-reference evidence and explicit pass, fail, review or not-applicable results
- Export a bounded JSON preflight report without the PDF contents
How to use
- Choose a local PDF and the target PDF/A-1b, 2b or 3b profile.
- Run the preflight and inspect the summary without treating it as a compliance certificate.
- Open each rule to review its status and source object or catalog evidence.
- Use a complete PDF/A validator such as veraPDF before archival acceptance.
Use cases
- Catch a PDF whose XMP claims the wrong PDF/A part
- Find a JavaScript action or attachment unsuitable for PDF/A-1b
- Review whether ICC output intent and font-program evidence is present
- Prepare an object-based issue list before complete ISO 19005 validation
Frequently asked questions
Does a report with no failures prove PDF/A compliance?
No. Only a selected subset of PDF/A-B preservation rules is checked. Content operators, full ICC and font glyph validation, XMP schemas and other ISO 19005 conditions still need a complete validator such as veraPDF.
Which PDF/A profiles can I select?
PDF/A-1b, 2b and 3b have profile-specific preflight rules. A and U conformance levels and PDF/A-4 are not validated here. XMP may declare a higher A or U level, but its extra requirements are not checked.
Why is a font or output intent marked for review?
A font resource can be declared but unused, and an output intent may depend on actual color operators. This tool cannot safely decide those cases from limited structural checks.
Can PDF/A-2 or PDF/A-3 contain attachments?
PDF/A-2 can include compliant embedded PDF/A files; PDF/A-3 permits other formats. This preflight counts embedded streams but does not recursively validate attachments or their association metadata.
Is the uploaded PDF stored or sent away?
No. Analysis runs in browser memory. Internal links and attachments are not opened. The optional JSON report contains object references and limited metadata evidence, not the PDF bytes.
Privacy
The PDF is parsed in this browser and is not uploaded. Its links and embedded files are not opened. Downloaded JSON contains object labels and XMP profile values; inspect it before sharing.
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