PDF/A and external references

PDF/A ensures reliable long-term rendering by embedding fonts, images, and color profiles, but URLs can still appear in text, hyperlinks, bookmarks, annotations, metadata, and embedded files.
Link annotations and URI Actions define clickable destinations, but PDF/A restricts certain action types to prevent external dependencies.
Guided by clear policies, comprehensive audits of both visible and hidden references help maintain authenticity, accessibility, and long-term integrity of PDF/A documents and digital collections.

PDF/A ensures reliable long-term rendering by embedding fonts, images, and color profiles, but URLs can still appear in text, hyperlinks, bookmarks, annotations, metadata, and embedded files.
Link annotations and URI Actions define clickable destinations, but PDF/A restricts certain action types to prevent external dependencies.
Guided by clear policies, comprehensive audits of both visible and hidden references help maintain authenticity, accessibility, and long-term integrity of PDF/A documents and digital collections.
Liaison with TC 42 brings HDR closer
PDF Association members – especially those working on PDF’s imaging model – can now access TC 42 WG 23 resources directly from pdfa.org.

























