PDF/A mode in Acrobat
Why Acrobat opens some files read-only with a PDF/A banner, and how to get past it when you need to edit.
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What PDF/A view mode is
When a file declares PDF/A, Acrobat opens it in a protective read-only view and shows a bar saying the file claims compliance with the PDF/A standard. Nothing is wrong with the file: Acrobat is just making sure you do not change, by accident, a document meant to stay as it is.
How to turn it off
- For one file — use the button in the PDF/A bar that enables editing. The file opens normally; saving changes may make it no longer PDF/A.
- For every file — Acrobat's preferences have a setting for the PDF/A view mode, under the document settings, which can be turned off.
- For good — remove the PDF/A declaration from the file with PDF/A to PDF: every reader will then treat it as a normal PDF.
If you later need a PDF/A again, convert the edited file back with the converter.
Frequently asked questions
What is PDF/A view mode?
The read-only view Acrobat uses for files that declare PDF/A compliance, to prevent accidental edits that would break compliance.
How do I turn off PDF/A mode?
Enable editing from the PDF/A bar for a single file, switch off the PDF/A view mode in Acrobat's preferences for all files, or remove the PDF/A declaration from the file itself.