PDF formats
When sending a document for signature via Addo Sign, it must be in PDF format. We support documents in PDF/A-3 format or later. Older formats such as PDF/A-1 and PDF/A-2 are not supported, as these do not allow the necessary digital signature elements to be embedded.
If your document meets the correct PDF/A format (a legal requirement in several Nordic countries), it will be returned to you in signed form, in the same PDF/A version as originally uploaded.
PDF/A Version Overview
There are multiple formats of PDF/A. Here, we will provide an overview of how to determine which versions fall under the different PDF/A formats:
PDF/A-1 | Based on PDF Version 1.4 | NOT compliant |
PDF/A-2 | Based on PDF Version 1.7 | NOT compliant |
PDF/A-3 | Based on PDF Version 1.7 | Compliant |
PDF/A-4 | Based on PDF Version 2.0 | Compliant |
Check the PDF Version
You can check the PDF-version of your document, by following the steps below:
1. Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Reader
2. Click File
3. Then click Properties
4. The PDF Version field will show which version it is
Addo Print - From Word to signing
Is it possible to send documents other than a PDF for signature? No, but you can send documents for signature directly from Word with Addo Print.
PDF/A Compatibility Errors
If you receive an error message stating that your PDF document cannot be distributed or uploaded for signing, it may be due to a general issue with PDF/A compliance.
This means the document does not meet the technical standards required for secure digital signing in Addo Sign.
Common causes include
The document is in an outdated PDF/A format (such as PDF/A-1 or PDF/A-2)
The file contains elements that are not allowed in PDF/A (e.g., multimedia, encryption, or non-embedded fonts)
Ensure PDF/A Compliance
If you're using Adobe Acrobat, follow these steps to prepare a compatible document:
1. Save as PDF/A
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro
Go to File → Save As Other → PDF/A
Choose a standard like PDF/A-3b
Save the document
2. Verify PDF/A Compliance
Go to Tools → Print Production → Preflight
Select the profile “Verify compliance with PDF/A”
Run the analysis to check for formatting issues
By following these steps, you can ensure your document meets the required standards and can be signed and distributed without errors.
