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.
PDF redaction – AstraZeneca EU contracts – s**t happens
As the AstraZeneca vaccine contract debacle makes clear, redacting PDF involves more than just the page; other objects have to be checked as well.

December 2020 by PDF Association staff

The 2020 edition includes a number of critical updates to normative references as well as other corrections and clarifications. It … Read more



























