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PDF Format Compatibility

How to ensure your document meets the correct PDF format for digital signing

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  • The document is in an outdated PDF/A format (such as PDF/A-1 or PDF/A-2)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.

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