PDF Specifications

Every version of PDF, from Adobe's 1993 reference manual to ISO 32000-2:2020, with a link to where each document can be downloaded or ordered.

PDF 2.0 is free. With sponsorship from Adobe, Apryse and Foxit, the PDF Association gives away ISO 32000-2:2020, including its errata, together with ISO/TS 32001 to 32004. Get the bundle

PDF 2.0

ISO 32000-2:2020

ISO, 2020

The current PDF specification, with its ISO technical specifications (extensions and clarifications).

SpecificationISO 32000-2:2020, Portable document format, Part 2: PDF 2.0Includes Errata Collection 3.Free, sponsored
ErrataISO and industry resolutions for issues against ISO 32000-2:2020Online
ExtensionISO/TS 32001:2022, Extensions to hash algorithm supportFree, sponsored
ExtensionISO/TS 32002:2022, Extensions to digital signaturesFree, sponsored
ExtensionISO/TS 24064:2023, RichMedia annotations conforming to ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242)Details on pdfa.org
ExtensionISO/TS 32003:2023, Adding support of AES-GCMFree, sponsored
ExtensionISO/TS 32004:2024, Integrity protection in encrypted documentsFree, sponsored
ClarificationISO/TS 32005:2023, PDF 1.7 and 2.0 structure namespace inclusion in ISO 32000-2Details on pdfa.org
ExtensionISO/TS 32007:2024, RichMedia annotations conforming to glTF assetsDetails on pdfa.org

ISO 32000-2:2017

ISO, 2017

Withdrawn

The first edition of PDF 2.0, replaced by the 2020 edition.

SpecificationISO 32000-2:2017, Portable document format, Part 2: PDF 2.0ISO catalog

PDF 1.7

ISO 32000-1:2008

ISO, 2008

Cited in Learning and Reference

PDF 1.7 as an ISO standard, with Adobe's extensions and supplements to it.

SpecificationISO 32000-1:2008, Portable document format, Part 1: PDF 1.7Sold by ISO
SpecificationPortable document format, Part 1: PDF 1.7 (Adobe's copy)Adobe's equivalent of the ISO text.Free download
SupplementAcrobat implementation of the PDF specification (BaseVersion 1.7, ExtensionLevel 1)Wayback Machine
SupplementAdobe Supplement to ISO 32000, BaseVersion 1.7, ExtensionLevel 3Wayback Machine
SupplementAdobe Supplement to ISO 32000, BaseVersion 1.7, ExtensionLevel 5Wayback Machine
Patent licenseAdobe Public Patent License statement for ISO 32000-1:2008Wayback Machine

PDF Reference, sixth edition

Adobe, 2006

SpecificationPDF Reference, sixth edition, Adobe Portable Document Format version 1.7Wayback Machine
ErrataPDF 1.7 errataWayback Machine

PDF 1.6

PDF Reference, fifth edition

Adobe, 2004

SpecificationPDF Reference, fifth edition, Adobe Portable Document Format version 1.6Free download
ErrataPDF 1.6 errataWayback Machine
AddendumBlend modes addendumWayback Machine

PDF 1.5

PDF Reference, fourth edition

Adobe, 2003

SpecificationPDF Reference, fourth edition, Adobe Portable Document Format version 1.5Free download
ErrataPDF 1.5 errataPlain textWayback Machine

PDF 1.4

PDF Reference, third edition

Adobe, 2001

Cited in Learning and Reference

SpecificationPDF Reference, third edition, Adobe Portable Document Format version 1.4Free download
ErrataPDF 1.4 errataPlain textWayback Machine

PDF 1.3

PDF Reference, second edition

Adobe, 2000

SpecificationPDF Reference, second edition, Adobe Portable Document Format version 1.3Free download
ErrataPDF 1.3 errataPlain textWayback Machine

PDF 1.2

Portable Document Format Reference Manual, version 1.2

Adobe, 1996

SpecificationPortable Document Format Reference Manual, version 1.2Free download

PDF 1.1

Portable Document Format Reference Manual, version 1.1

Adobe, 1996

SpecificationPortable Document Format Reference Manual, version 1.1ISBN 0-201-62628-4. A third-party upload; Adobe doesn't host this edition.Internet Archive

PDF 1.0

Portable Document Format Reference Manual, version 1.0

Adobe, 1993

SpecificationPortable Document Format Reference Manual, version 1.0Free download

Compiled from the PDF Association's PDF Specification Archive, checked November 4, 2026. This site hosts none of these files. Wayback Machine and Internet Archive links point to archived copies, not to the publisher.