No intent of defined outputs__in__Acrobat Pro__Save As Other__PDF/A

[Sergey27658849ko1q]

Respectable Community of Acrobat,

I would like to find the solution as follows "easy" problem.

Description of the problem:

I use Acrobat Pro. I would like to convert the form.pdf into a PDF/A format file. However, Acrobar Pro, does not allow me. The conversion stops with the following message: "No intent of defined outputs. To convert a PDF/A PDF file, an intent of output is a net. Define an intent of output in preliminary verification preferences. "

How I could solve this problem and use the basic function : transform FORM.PDF into FILE.PDF/A ???

Thanks again and good work to everyone.

 

[S. S]

Hi @Sergey27658849ko1q,

Hope you are doing well. Thank you for writing in!

Just to check in, do you experience this issue with every file you try to save using the standards? Also, can you use the preflight tool and check for any issues or restraints on the file which is preventing it to be saved as a PDF/A compliant file?

We would like to check on this inhouse as well? Would you mind sharing a blank file as sample to me here?

Look forward to hearing from you.

-Souvik

[Sergey27658849ko1q]

Dear colleague S.Souvik,

as first - I thank you very much for your courteous reply, and as a second - I apologize to having answered with a wide delay, I had to focus on other goals and now I went back to the old problem of Acrobat.

On the subject with the first demand: "No intent of defined outputs_____crobat pro_save as other__pdf/a";...

Of course, I am attaching the simple file, which I would like to convert to PDF/A. But Acrobat Pro, does not allow me - always reporting myself a mistake:

"No intent of defined outputs. To convert to PDF/A Pdf File, an intent of output is a net. Define an intent of output in preliminary verification preferences. " (I attach the screen).

I can't resolve this replied, despite I have an acrobat pro.

Thank you in advance. And I wish good work.

 

 

 

 

[S. S]

Hi @Sergey27658849ko1q 

Thank you for your response and sorry for the delay.

I have forwarded this to the team and we will get back to you once we hear back.

Thanks,

Souvik

[kirsten_1908]

Having this same issue is there a solution?

[Tariq Ahmad · Accepted solution]

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.

Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team