PDF vs PDF/A

Rule of thumb for e-Gov: PDF/A-2b and ≤ 2 MB per file.

PDF/A-2b ≤ 2 MB On-device (offline)

Regular PDF

May include password/scripts
Non-embedded fonts (variable appearance)
Active forms/annotations
Not size-optimized

PDF/A (Archive)

No encryption/scripts; forms flattened
Embedded fonts & metadata
Stable, predictable appearance

What PDF Ready does

100% on your device: nothing is uploaded to servers
Converts to PDF/A-2b and validates (pre-flight IRCC/CEAC/USPTO)
Compresses to ≤ 2 MB (or your selected limit)
Flattens forms and removes password
Merges into one upload-ready PDF and generates a Pass/Fail report

Note: Requirements may change; we link official sources and check date in Help. We can’t guarantee third-party acceptance.