PDF/A is a kind of PDF meant to look the same for decades. Some archives and courts ask for it. Monstera saves a PDF/A copy and tells you what had to be left out.
Steps
- In the rail, choose Tools, then PDF/A… in the Convert group.
- Choose the level. PDF/A-2b is the usual choice; pick PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-3b only if the place you send it asks for one.
- Choose where to save the copy. Monstera says Saved as PDF/A-2b. (or the level you chose).
- If anything had to be left out, the Saved as PDF/A window lists it by kind and page.
Good to know
- Comments are kept with their text. Their pop-up windows are not, because PDF/A copies cannot link them; a PDF reader opens its own.
- Marks hidden from view, sounds, videos and 3D models are left out, and each is named.
- The copy does not keep tags that help screen readers follow the document. If your document had them, Monstera says so.
- If a document cannot be converted, no file is written; Save a copy… still works.
- If this copy of Monstera cannot make PDF/A files, it says so before asking where to save.
- The open document is not changed, unless scanned pages are recognised first; see "Recognise scanned pages when exporting".
This is the article from Monstera's built-in Help centre. In the app, press F1 to open the article for where you are. All help articles