PDF to PDF/A
Convert PDF to archival PDF/A format for long-term preservation
Drop PDF here or click to upload
Only PDF files are supported
How to Convert PDF to PDF/A Online
Converting PDF documents to PDF/A format ensures long-term preservation and accessibility. PDF/A is an ISO-standardized archival format designed to be self-contained and viewable decades into the future. Our free converter makes PDF to PDF/A conversion simple and secure.
Conversion Process:
- Upload PDF: Drag and drop your PDF file or click to browse and select
- Convert to PDF/A: Click convert button to process your document
- Download Archive: Your PDF/A file downloads automatically for long-term storage
- Verify Compliance: The converted file meets ISO 19005 PDF/A standards
Why Convert to PDF/A Format?
✓ Long-Term Archiving
PDF/A ensures documents remain readable and accessible for decades without degradation.
✓ Self-Contained Format
All fonts, images, and resources are embedded within the PDF/A file.
✓ ISO Compliance
Meets ISO 19005 standards required by governments and legal institutions.
✓ Legal Acceptance
Widely accepted for legal documents, contracts, and official records.
✓ Device Independent
PDF/A files display consistently across all devices and platforms.
✓ 100% Free
No registration, watermarks, or hidden costs for PDF/A conversion.
What is PDF/A Format?
PDF/A (PDF for Archive) is an ISO-standardized version of PDF specifically designed for digital preservation and long-term archiving. Unlike regular PDFs, PDF/A files are completely self-contained with all fonts and resources embedded, ensuring they can be opened and viewed identically on any system, now and in the future.
PDF/A is commonly used by libraries, government agencies, legal firms, and organizations that need to preserve documents for extended periods while maintaining exact fidelity to the original appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between PDF and PDF/A?
PDF/A is a subset of PDF designed for archiving. It embeds all fonts and images, disables encryption, and prohibits features that might become obsolete, ensuring long-term viewability.
Which PDF/A version is created?
Our tool creates PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b compliant files, which are the most widely supported archival formats.
Will conversion change document appearance?
No, PDF/A conversion preserves the exact visual appearance of your document while ensuring all resources are embedded.
Can I convert password-protected PDFs?
PDF/A format doesn't support encryption. You'll need to unlock the PDF first using our Unlock PDF tool.
Is PDF/A accepted for legal documents?
Yes, PDF/A is widely accepted by courts, government agencies, and legal institutions for official records and archiving.
Does PDF/A increase file size?
PDF/A files may be slightly larger because all fonts and resources are embedded for self-containment.