Question:
Is PDF/A the best format for long-term document archival? I am the record manager of my company, and we have been archiving for a long time using microfiche. However, we’re now looking to digitize our archives using software, and are wondering what the best way to do that is. If it is indeed PDF/A, is there software that will easily make PDF/A files?
Answer:
As I’m sure you’re aware, the PDF format is so widespread for a reason. PDF files can be opened on practically anyone’s computer with readily available free software. PDF/A is a restricted version of PDF; PDF/A software embeds all information needed to open every PDF/A in the PDF/A file itself. The Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) both recommend PDF/A for long-term archiving. Because PDF/A files contain all information needed to open them, they will be able to be opened long into the future. CVISION does have easy-to-use PDF/A software. A trial of our PDF/A software can be found at our downloads page (see link below).
