No intent of defined outputs__in__Acrobat Pro__Save As Other__PDF/A

Hi @kirsten_1908, 

Thanks for reaching out. Sorry for the delayed response. Since I don't have access to your document, this could be for various reasons.

• PDF/A is an archival format. It requires that the file be completely self-contained:

   

  • All fonts must be embedded.

  • All color spaces must be explicitly defined.

  • No external dependencies.

   

• One of these requirements is an Output Intent — essentially a description of the color profile (e.g., sRGB, CMYK ICC profile).

• If the document doesn’t have one defined (like in your simple DOCX → PDF), Acrobat cannot finalize the PDF/A conversion and throws this error.

How to Fix It:

You need to add an Output Intent (color profile) in Acrobat before converting to PDF/A.

Option 1: Quick Fix during Save As 

1. Go to File → Save As Other → Archivable PDF (PDF/A).

2. If prompted, Acrobat will try to assign a default sRGB IEC61966-2.1 profile.

3. Confirm and save.

Option 2: Manually Add an Output Intent (via Preflight)

1. Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro.

2. Go to Tools → Print Production → Preflight.

3. In the Preflight dialog, search for PDF/A (e.g., “Convert to PDF/A-1b”).

4. Before running, click the wrench/edit icon and ensure an Output Intent (like sRGB) is selected under Color Management.

5. Run the profile → Save your file.

Option 3: Set a Default Output Intent

• In Acrobat Preflight preferences, you can define a default Output Intent (e.g., sRGB).

• After that, Acrobat won’t complain every time.

Important Notes

• Even if your PDF does not contain images or colors (just text), Acrobat still requires an Output Intent for compliance.

• For archival (PDF/A-1b is most common), usually sRGB is fine unless you specifically need a print/CMYK workflow.

In short, the error occurs because your PDF does not have a color profile (Output Intent). Add one (sRGB) in Preflight or during Save As PDF/A, and it will work.