What does PDF/X-1a require beyond metadata?

CMYK or spot colours only (no RGB), all fonts embedded and subsetted, embedded OutputIntent ICC, no transparency, no encryption. This tool addresses the metadata + OutputIntent declaration; the rest depends on how the source PDF was authored.

Is PDF/X-1a still current?

PDF/X-1a:2003 is widely accepted but newer profiles (PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4) support transparency and ICC-tagged colour. Ask your print shop which they prefer.

What does PDF/X-1a require beyond metadata?

CMYK or spot colours only (no RGB), all fonts embedded and subsetted, embedded OutputIntent ICC, no transparency, no encryption. This tool addresses the metadata + OutputIntent declaration; the rest depends on how the source PDF was authored.

Is PDF/X-1a still current?

PDF/X-1a:2003 is widely accepted but newer profiles (PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4) support transparency and ICC-tagged colour. Ask your print shop which they prefer.

PDF/X-1a Converter

Apply best-effort PDF/X-1a metadata — embed XMP conformance, set OutputIntent placeholder, and update producer string for print-pre-flight readiness.

Your files never leave your browser. All processing happens on your device — nothing is uploaded.

1. Upload your file

Drop a PDF file here

or click to browse

How does the PDF/X-1a Converter work?

Apply best-effort PDF/X-1a:2003 metadata to a PDF — the print-industry standard for archival press-ready files. The tool embeds the required XMP packet declaring PDF/X-1a conformance, adds a declarative OutputIntent (CGATS TR 001 / Generic CMYK), updates the producer string, and re-saves with object-streams disabled (a strict PDF/X requirement). Be honest about scope: this is metadata-conformant, not validator-certified. We do not embed an ICC profile binary (which strict PDF/X requires) and we do not run a callas / Acrobat preflight. For certified PDF/X status, run the output through Acrobat Pro's pre-flight or a print-shop pre-flight service.

🔒 Security & Privacy

All processing happens on your device. Your files never leave your browser, never touch our servers, and are not stored anywhere. Close the tab and the file is gone.

📱 Use it on any device

Works in any modern browser — Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android, and tablets. No installation, no app to download. Just open the page and start.

⚡ Quick & easy

Drag, drop, click. Most files process in seconds, not minutes. No watermarks added to your output, no per-day limits, and the tool always shows the result before asking you to download.

🎁 Always free, no signup

Free to use, every time. No account creation, no email required, no “trial” that converts to a paid plan. We make money from ads so you don’t have to pay.

Frequently asked

Many do for the document-level checks. Strict pre-flight (callas pdfToolbox, Enfocus PitStop) will flag the missing embedded ICC profile. Coordinate with your printer.