How to prepare a PDF/A for public tenders and applications

An Italian public tender or application may ask for PDF/A rather than an ordinary PDF. Read the recipient’s exact requirements first: conversion alone is not proof of compliance.

Step by step

1. 1. Read the submission requirements

   Check the required PDF/A version and conformance level, file size, naming rules and whether a qualified digital signature is needed.

2. 2. Finish editing before conversion

   Make corrections and combine files before creating the final version. Preserve an unsigned original.

3. 3. Convert to PDF/A

   Open PDF to PDF/A, select the PDF and press Convert to PDF/A. The tool downloads an output declaring PDF/A-2b and including an sRGB output intent.

4. 4. Validate and sign if required

   Test the downloaded file with the recipient’s required validator or a dedicated PDF/A validator. Correct any failures. Apply any required digital signature afterwards, then check the final file again.

Frequently asked questions

Does PDF Feel guarantee PDF/A compliance?

No. Adding PDF/A metadata and a color profile does not establish full conformance. The tool does not run a conformance validator; verify the output before a strict submission.

Is every PDF/A version accepted?

No. The recipient may require a particular version or level. PDF Feel declares PDF/A-2b; do not assume it meets a request for PDF/A-1, PDF/A-3 or another conformance level.

Should I sign before or after conversion?

Finish changes and conversion before applying a digital signature. Rewriting a signed file can invalidate the signature. The signing tool in PDF Feel creates a simple electronic signature, not a qualified digital signature.

Is conversion free and local?

Without an account you get 3 free processings on this device; a free account gives you 5 per month, up to 15 MB per file. Premium increases usage and file-size limits and adds cloud storage. Conversion runs in your browser; cloud saving is optional.