PDF/A-2: What’s New
The PDF-A/2 standard will be published early this year and includes several changes that will be useful for designers and publishers.
The new standard includes support for layers and optional content in documents, which means designers can include multiple versions of the same layout in a single PDF (think multilingual documents), and includes support for JPEG2000, transparency and improved support for OpenType fonts.
While the new standard takes advantage of modern document features, it isn’t necessary if the PDF/A-1 standard currently meets your PDF needs.
Jeff Gamet is a contributing editor for Design Tools Monthly, the executive summary of graphic design news. He is also the morning editor and reviews editor for The Mac Observer and iPodObserver.com, and contributing writer for Layers Magazine and Photoshop User. He writes the InBrief column for InDesign Magazine, and is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X,” from Peachpit Press
When Jeff isn’t writing about the graphic design world, he’s talking about it on the Design Tools Weekly podcast with co-host Jay Nelson. He also talks about Apple and the Mac world every week on The Mac Observer’s Apple Weekly Report.
Jeff studies, tests and reviews new software and technologies for the Macintosh community as well as the design and print industries. He is a former Pre-press specialist, and has nearly 25 years experience with computer technology. Jeff trains, lectures and consults on techniques for more efficiently using Mac OS X in creative environments throughout the country.
In the rare moments when he can get away from his MacBook Pro, Jeff spends his time climbing and biking in the Colorado mountains.