How to convert PDF to PDF/A with the desktop app?

[passegua]

I installed pdf24 creator but I am not able to convert a PDF to PDF/A.

How is it possible?

Thanks.

[Stefan Ziegler]

The toolbox has such an option, just use the "Convert PDF to ..." tool. PDF/A is also available in the output profiles which you can use when you save a PDF via the creator or assistant.

[passegua]

I open toolbox and I choose a pdf file. Then I see only "convert to PDF" without any option such PDF/A. I click on "Convert to PDF" and I get: "Save - Email - Continue - Restart" If I click on "Save" there is no option to Save as PDF/A. So how it comes? How could I convert a PDF to PDF/A?
Many thanks.

[Stefan Ziegler]

Sorry, it is the "Convert PDF to ..." tool, not the "Convert to PDF" tool

[passegua]

Good! Now I see the option PDF/A

Many thanks!

[passegua]

One last question, what is the "Secure PDF" format? I suppose it should add a password or what?
Thanks.

[Stefan Ziegler]

Secure PDF means the following:
Render each page of the original PDF to an image. Create a new PDF and embed just these images. This removes active element and scripts from the PDF files.

[passegua]

Great! Many thanks

[passegua]

I was able to convert many PDFs to PDF/A but some not. For example this file does not convert.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Au_YsciVr8mzqlJd9F-eUawA0igwCyu5/view?usp=sharing
Do you know why? Thank you.

[Stefan Ziegler]

I've tested with the example file. In the console you can see the following GS output:

Detected SMask which must be in DeviceGray, but we are not converting to DeviceGray, reverting to normal PDF output

So a solution would be to do a color conversion which you can do with the color option in the toolbox when you convert to PDF/A. You have to choose Gray in order to to get it done.

[passegua]

Great Stefan!
It sorted out fine!
Thanks!

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