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Protect and finish

Save a PDF/A copy for archiving

How to do it

Courts, government offices and archives often ask for PDF/A: a PDF with every font inside it, so it opens the same way on any computer for years.

Open the PDF.
Open the File menu, then Export, and choose Export as PDF/A (or press Ctrl+K and type "PDF/A").
Pick the level. PDF/A-2b suits most uses. Choose PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-3b if you've been asked for one of those.
Choose a name and folder. CrescentPDF saves a new copy, and your original isn't changed.

The Export as PDF/A window with PDF/A-2b chosen

Good to know

Been sent a file that says it's PDF/A? Tools > Validate PDF/A lists anything that stands in its way.
Validate PDF/A is CrescentPDF's own check, not a certified validation. If a court or archive names a validator, use theirs too.
Fill in forms and add your marks before you export, so they're part of the copy.

Try it in CrescentPDF.

Free for Windows, with no ads, no account and no upsells.