AS ISO 24517.1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

AS ISO 24517.1:2017 — Document management — Engineering document format using PDF — Part 1: Use of PDF 1.6 (PDF/E‑1). This Australian adoption reproduces ISO 24517‑1:2008 and specifies how PDF 1.6 is to be used for engineering and technical documentation to improve exchange and interoperability in engineering workflows.

Abstract

Specifies the constrained use of Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.6 (PDF/E‑1) for creating, exchanging and viewing engineering documents (2D drawings, technical text and some 3D/interactive content encoded as U3D). The part does not define distribution methods, conversion workflows, specific software implementations or validation procedures.

General information

• Status: Current (Australian adoption of ISO 24517‑1:2008).
• Publication date: 27 April 2017 (AS adoption publication).
• Publisher: Standards Australia (adoption of ISO text).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.30; 37.100.99 (IT applications in information/documentation and related graphic technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (AS adoption, identical to ISO 24517‑1:2008).
• Number of pages: 26.

Bibliographic details such as ISBN for the Australian publication: 9781760357283; the Australian publication reproduces the ISO‑text identified as ISO 24517‑1:2008.

Scope

This part specifies constraints and recommended uses of PDF 1.6 to produce engineering documentation suitable for interchange across AEC, manufacturing and related engineering workflows. It defines what features of PDF 1.6 are intended and permitted for PDF/E‑1, and explicitly excludes requirements for methods of electronic distribution, conversion from paper, detailed UI or implementation requirements, hardware/OS requirements, and prescriptive methods for conformance validation. The Australian standard is an adoption of the ISO text and is therefore identical in scope to ISO 24517‑1:2008.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of PDF Version 1.6 as the normative base for PDF/E‑1.
• Guidance on permitted PDF features for engineering documents (2D graphics, text, annotations and supported 3D via U3D).
• Requirements to create self-contained, exchangeable engineering documents that preserve print and view fidelity across systems.
• Statements of non‑scope: no conversion/creation workflows, no distribution method, no software/UI mandates, no mandatory conformance test methods.
• Intended to improve interoperability between CAD/CAM/PDM systems, viewers and document-management systems in engineering contexts.

These topics are derived from the ISO text adopted by Standards Australia and from authoritative descriptions of PDF/E (PDF for Engineering).

Typical use and users

Used by design and engineering teams, engineering document managers, CAD/CAM/PDM software vendors, technical publishers, archives and libraries, and organizations exchanging engineering drawings and technical documentation with external partners. Typical applications include cross‑platform exchange of drawings, archiving engineering documentation and ensuring predictable rendering/printing in supply‑chain exchanges.

Related standards

Closely related PDF family and document standards include ISO 32000 (PDF specification / PDF 1.7), PDF/A (archival profiles), PDF/UA (accessibility), PDF/X (graphic exchange) and other parts of the ISO 24517 series where applicable. AS ISO 24517.1:2017 is the Australian adoption of ISO 24517‑1:2008 and is intended to be used alongside those broader PDF management standards for complete document workflows.

Keywords

PDF/E, PDF/E‑1, PDF 1.6, engineering document format, document management, CAD exchange, U3D, interoperability, Standards Australia, ISO 24517‑1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS ISO 24517.1:2017 is the Australian adoption of ISO 24517‑1:2008 titled "Document management — Engineering document format using PDF — Part 1: Use of PDF 1.6 (PDF/E‑1)". It defines how to use PDF 1.6 for engineering documentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the constrained use of PDF 1.6 to produce engineering documents suitable for reliable exchange and rendering (2D drawings, technical text and supported 3D content). It does not prescribe conversion methods, distribution mechanisms, specific software implementations or conformance test methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Engineers, CAD and technical documentation teams, document control and archiving groups, software vendors (PDF writers/readers) and organizations that exchange engineering drawings and technical files.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The Australian adoption AS ISO 24517.1:2017 reproduces ISO 24517‑1:2008. ISO 24517‑1:2008 has been subject to ISO periodic review and the ISO bibliographic record shows the standard as confirmed; the Australian adoption was published 27 April 2017 and is listed as current in national catalogues. Users should check national catalogues or Standards Australia for the latest status before relying on conformance programs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 24517 is the PDF/E family (PDF for Engineering). Part 1 is PDF/E‑1 (use of PDF 1.6); related PDF standards (ISO 32000, PDF/A, PDF/UA, PDF/X) form the broader ecosystem for PDF‑based document management.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PDF/E, PDF 1.6, engineering documents, interoperability, CAD exchange, PDF/E‑1, Standards Australia, ISO 24517‑1.