1/29/25, 8:23 PM 8 Types of PDF FIles Explained

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Difference Between PDF and PDFA,

PDFX and More
Did you know there are 8 different PDF formats? The various formats
mean that the PDF will store information in slightly different ways. Each
different type of PDF is intended for a different purpose and, sometimes,
industry, which we’ll explain. Some PDF types you may never run into,
while others you may commonly run into. It all depends on how you
intend to use PDFs.

The PDF, or portable document format <

https://pdf.live/resources/pdf-basics/what-is-a-pdf/> , is one of the
most versatile document formats out there. Whether you open a PDF on
a phone, Windows device, Mac, or any other type of device, it will always
appear the same.

PDFs have become so popular thanks to the many devices and

document editing software apps we use in the modern era. Some folks
may prefer creating documents using Microsoft Word, while others use
Google Docs, PowerPoint and other programs. Regardless, any

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1/29/25, 8:23 PM 8 Types of PDF FIles Explained

document that you create with these programs will appear the same if
it’s saved or exported as a PDF.

The 8 different PDF types are separated into two groups. The first group
of 6 types are recognized by the International Standards Organization
< https://www.iso.org/home.html> or ISO. This group is responsible
for creating and recording international standards about best practices
and procedures in a variety of industries. The other 2 types aren’t
formally recognized by the ISO but nonetheless may be used by other
organizations.

In this article, we’ll be going through all 8 types, what they’re used for
and when you may encounter them.

ISO PDF Standards

1. PDF
The standard, most commonly used file developed for sharing and
viewing documents across the web is .pdf. The PDF is versatile and easy
to use. This will be the PDF type you’ll encounter the most often.

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1/29/25, 8:23 PM 8 Types of PDF FIles Explained

2. PDF/A
What is a PDFA? This file type is meant for long-term file storage. If you
or your company deals with a large number of documents that need to
be archived, the PDF/A has fewer restrictions for formatting settings
(such as fonts or encryption). The goal is that any piece of software
developed in the future will be able to use and view a PDF/A.

How do you create a PDF/A? When you open a PDF in your favorite
PDF reader < https://pdf.live/resources/pdf-basics/what-is-a-pdf-
reader/> , many of them allow you to Export as or Save as and choose
the PDF/A format. For example, in Apple Preview, select Export as,
choose Format: PDF, and click the Create PDF/A option.

3. PDF/E
The PDFE (also PDF/E) was developed for engineers, architects, and
construction experts. It’s meant to be used to share technical documents
that include multimedia. It has features such as better integration with
proprietary manufacturing/engineering software and lower storage
costs on a system.

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How do you create a PDF/E? Industry-specific software programs such

as CAD programs have that ability built-in. If you need a PDF/E, chances
are you are already using software programs that create PDF/E files.

4. PDF/X
If you’re working with high-quality graphics in documents with more
specific color profiles, the PDFX (or PDF/X) is what you need. The PDF/X
was developed for graphic designers and printing/creative professionals
that need hyper-specific colors, image qualities, and fonts.

How do you convert PDF to PDF/X? Graphic design software programs,

such as Adobe Illustrator for example, have this ability built-in.

5. PDF/UA
PDF/UA, or PDF/UniversalAccessibility, is a PDF type meant to be used
by people with disabilities that require assistive technology like a screen
reader. PDF/UA have a certain set of formatting settings required to be
considered conforming with certain accessibility requirements. For
example, graphics need to have text descriptions and the document
needs to be navigable without a mouse/keyboard.

How do you create a PDF with universal accessibility? Many software

programs have a feature called an accessibility checker. Some versions
of Microsoft Word tuck Check Accessibility under the Tools menu (this
may differ, depending on your computer operating system). In Google
Docs, select Tools and Accessibility.

6. PDF/VT
The PDF/VT is very similar to the PDF/X format but is meant for variable
and transactional printing. This means printing content like invoices,
statements, or other financial information. It has the settings needed to
create useful graphics/images but is geared toward marketing and
finance, and the PDF/VT format is created by these types of programs.

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Other Organization PDF Standards

Although not formally recognized by the ISO, there are two PDF file
types that are still used in their respective industries/fields. These types
are less common but show how the PDF can be developed for a specific
industry’s needs.

7. PDF/H
The H in this file type stands for healthcare. It is a standard meant for
handling, storing, and sharing sensitive healthcare information. This
means that the standard was built with extra security and privacy
features, intended to satisfy the provisions of the Healthcare Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act <
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html>
(HIPAA).

8. PAdES
This most esoteric name for a PDF file type stands for PDF Advanced
Electronic Signatures. It was developed for a very specific use case: To
contain standards that comply with the European Union requirements
for digital signatures. It’s meant to be used for government legislation
and, most notably, the digital signature contained within is recognized
with the same legal value as a handwritten signature!

Although there are a lot of other types and subtypes of PDFs you may
encounter on the web, these 8 are the most commonly used. PDFs are
continually being further developed with additional capabilities,
extensions, and restrictions to be used in any industry. It’s entirely
possible that physical documents may one day become entirely
obsolete!

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pdf/>
3. How Do You Make a PDF File? < https://pdf.live/resources/pdf-
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