Are all PDF readers compatible with PDF/A

Question

I was exploring the setting for my printer/scanner, and there is an option to make all scans PDF/A Compliant. Having never heard of this, I looked it up.

I understand that PDF/A is a method of saving PDF files with no external references, to ensure long term support of data storage, but is it still a normal PDF file that all programs can read, or is there something that could cause some software to not open it.

Answer 1

Any statement about all things (e.g. all PDF readers) is unprovable. However, it would seem sensible that including information such as fonts and images within a document, i.e., PDF/A, is more likely to be readable: it prevents issues such as a font not being installed, or an image being taken offline.

However, you can test this assumption. Produce a document and try opening it in some common free PDF readers:

• PDF-XChange Viewer Portable
• Sumatra PDF Portable
• Nitro PDF Reader
• Of course, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (If you need to install this, be sure to uncheck any of the additional gratuitous superfluous software that you don't want installed.)

Answer 2

Somehow I overlooked this page on the PDF Association website when I was googling PDF/A. It clearly states

Do I have to purchase an application to display PDF/A files?

No. All PDF viewers are capable of displaying PDF/A files.