PDF/UA

[sergiuvolda]

I was surprised to find out that SoftMaker Office still doesn't support PDF/UA, especially since Microsoft Office and even LibreOffice already do.

[Michael Uplawski]

AFAIS, PDF/UA is based on PDF 2.0 and standardization is still in progress.

[SuperTech]

I have forwarded this improvement suggestion.

[Woody44]

Yeah, that is surprising. SoftMaker Office usually focuses on performance and compatibility, but missing PDF/UA support feels like a big gap, especially for accessibility. With Microsoft Office and LibreOffice already supporting it, hopefully it’s something they prioritize soon.

Here in the United States, the federal government requires PDF/UA for official documents, and the requirements of many states cite or defer to the federal requirements for state and local governmental offices and agencies. If SoftMaker hopes to achieve acceptance by U.S. governmental offices or by any company or entity that does business with a governmental agency -- PDF/UA compliance isn't optional. It's a fundamental requirement.

[Woody44]

AFAIS, PDF/UA is based on PDF 2.0 and standardization is still in progress.

PDF/UA-1 has been around since 2012 and is the current standard in the U.S. PDF/UA-2 is what is still in development, and that is not yet a required standard in most of the U.S.

[Michael Uplawski]

If SoftMaker hopes to achieve acceptance by U.S. governmental offices or by any company or entity that does business with a governmental agency

Later.

[Woody44]

If SoftMaker hopes to achieve acceptance by U.S. governmental offices or by any company or entity that does business with a governmental agency

Later.

I have no idea what this is supposed to mean.

[Michael Uplawski]

If SoftMaker hopes to achieve acceptance by U.S. governmental offices or by any company or entity that does business with a governmental agency

Later.

I have no idea what this is supposed to mean.

That was a political statement, hence off-topic in this thread. I am sorry. If it is offeding to anybody, have it removed by the administrator.

[Woody44]

Update:

I just received an e-mail from an agency of the Connecticut (U.S.) state government citing a new requirement that ALL web sites and documents published or distributed by state and local government entities must comply with PDF/UA (ISO 14289) standards.

This is not something that SoftMaker can continue to "kick down the road" (delay implementation) on the grounds of "the standards are still evolving." There is a standard. Other word processors meet it (or at least claim to, which probably means they at least come close). Private entities doing business with government agencies at all levels (federal, state, country/provincial, and local/municipal) are increasingly being required to also comply with these requirements. Respectfully, SoftMaker needs to address this -- sooner rather than later.

It is now essentially a year since this topic was raised. What's happening with this? When can we expect PDF/UA support? I routinely conduct business with agencies of my state's government. This is no longer optional for me. It is now mandatory.

[SuperTech]

Thank you for sharing the details. I have forwarded this again.