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cleitongoncalves
Participating Frequently
January 29, 2022
Question

it's possible to change a PDF/X-4 to PDF/X-1a without actually converting it?

  • January 29, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 886 views

Hello everyone

Does anyone know if it's possible to change xml metadata or compliance from a PDF/X-4 to PDF/X-1a without actually converting it?

I know that in Preflight there are some profiles that do this conversion, but the fixes change my document in a way I wouldn't want it changed.

I have duplicated a profile and uncheck the option that applies the fixes.


When I did this, Preflight doesn't really make the corrections, but the Standards Panel (View > Show/Hide > Navigation Panes > Standards) is no longer available for the document, I believe the metadata is removed for the process.

I tried to add the metadata through Fixups tab, but I find only options for remover the metadata and one to set pdf to PDF/UA-1, but can't set to PDF/X-1a.

I'm using Acrobat PRO DC (2021.011.20039)

Thanks in advance.

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 29, 2022

This is not a comprehensive list but there can be some major differences.

PDF/X-4

  • Allows transparency
  • Allows RGB and other color models
  • Allows layers

PDF/X-1a

  • No transparency
  • CMYK and Spot color only
  • No layers

Of course, a PDF/X-4 is not required to have transparency, RGB colors, or layers--so it's possible the "conversion" could be really basic. 

 

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
T
Test Screen Name
Legend
January 29, 2022

PDF/X is not just metadata. For example, PDF/X-4 allows PDF 1.6 features including transparency, and in PDF/X-1a these are forbidden. This is why you cannot just change the metadata; it must follow checking or converting. 

Acrobat will NOT change a file without reason, so your file is not suitable without changing.

Abambo
Community Expert
AbamboCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 29, 2022

No. You need to touch-up the PDF file, because PDF/X4 may and will probably contain assets that are not PDF/X1a compatible. So you need to convert.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
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