How to export layout to PDF/A-3

[michal_sobr]

Hi

I'm seeking a solution to export PDFs from layouts in the PDF/A-3 format, compliant with the ISO 19005-3 standard. I prefer using the DWG to PDF virtual plotter, as I often work with various non-standard formats. This solution is necessary to meet our national requirements for digital drawings in building permit applications.

Anybody knows? Thanks!

[pendean]

You need a third-party PDF driver installed on your computer that can do that: Autodesk does not provide such a driver in AutoCAD. yes, it's likely not free and I personally don't trust free online converters but if you are feeling lucky you can give them a shot.

[jreidKVSUZ]

Found your solution through Adobe's website.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/pdf-a-mode-what-does-it-do-how-to-disable-it/m-p/...

I just checked mine and the PDF/A is the default. So inside AutoCAD select ADOBE PDF as your plotter and I believe you will have the PDF/A format you need.

I also found one that had ADOBE READER that once your plot to a PDF, you open the PDF up and do a FILE SAVE-AS and you had the option in the drops downs to select PDF/A format extension.

( I don't have Reader so I can say for sure).

I hope this helps!

JRR!

[paullimapa]

@michal_sobr as @pendean stated your request requires a 3rd party pdf driver like @jreidKVSUZ responded using Adobe Acrobat (this is not an AutoCAD built-in PDF driver). Also unfortunately Adobe Reader does NOT have the Saveas option. But once you have purchased Adobe Acrobat then you no longer need to run the SaveAs command.

[vladimir_michl]

This is not possible with plain AutoCAD, you will need a PDF "printer" (virtual printer driver) - e.g. PDFcreator. See (in Czech):

https://www.cadforum.cz/cz/publikovani-souboru-pdf-a-3-pro-digitalizovane-stavebni-rizeni-tip14158

Vladimir Michl, www.arkance.world  -  www.cadforum.cz

[michal_sobr]

Are you using Adobe Pro as a virtual printer?

[michal_sobr]

Thanks for all yours replies.

It could work as you suggest, @jreidKVSUZ , @paullimapa , and @vladimir_michl . However, my issue persists with publishing multiple layouts because I don’t want to manually configure a different plotter for each layout and drawing. Additionally, I've run into problems with certain styles when using PDFCreator. Another challenge is dealing with custom and irregular paper sizes, as well as issues with PDF orientation.

Regarding third-party tools (especially paid ones), I can’t recommend them for company-wide use due to the cost we’ve already incurred for Autodesk software.

I do have a workaround: I plot the layouts using the DWGtoPDF virtual plotter, then use PDF24 software to merge multiple PDFs into PDF/A-3 format. It's a free solution, though admittedly somewhat roundabout.

[paullimapa]

Glad you found this free third party work around. If you like you can always submit this as a wishlist item here