Prepare options
PDF/A-2b inside Prepare
Use PDF/A-2b only when the destination asks for it. Route and size come first in Prepare; PDF/A-2b is a secondary option.
Optional
Inside Prepare
Review the result
What it is
What PDF/A-2b is
PDF/A-2b is an optional normalized output format. It can help when a destination explicitly asks for PDF/A, but it is not the starting point of the workflow and it does not guarantee acceptance.
Boundary
Do not enable it by default
If the destination does not ask for PDF/A-2b, leave it off. Extra options can affect size, readability, or compatibility when they are not actually needed.
Step 1
Route and size come first
Start with GENERAL, IRCC, or CEAC. Then choose the size that matches the real upload path. Only after that should you think about optional format or compatibility toggles.
When to use it
Use PDF/A-2b only when the destination really asks for it
Turn on PDF/A-2b when a portal, reviewer, or workflow explicitly asks for that format. If the upload already works without it, changing the file only adds unnecessary risk.
Step 2
Enable it inside More options
PDF/A-2b lives in the same secondary options layer as OCR and compatibility toggles. Use these options only when the document or destination really needs them.
When not to use it
Leave it off when it adds size or uncertainty
If you are already fighting a strict 2 MB limit, or if the portal never asked for PDF/A, keep the workflow simple and leave PDF/A-2b disabled.
Step 3
Check the result before clean export
After generation, review the result for size, readability, and layout stability. PDF/A-2b does not replace review; it only changes one part of the prepared output.
Related options
OCR and compatibility live in the same layer
OCR, PDF/A-2b, and compatibility toggles are secondary tools inside Prepare. Use them only when the destination or the document clearly needs them.
Disclaimer: PDF/A-2b can help when explicitly requested, but it does not guarantee acceptance and should not be enabled by default.