What is PDF/A and why does it matter?

PDF/A (ISO 19005) is a restricted subset of PDF designed for long-term archival. It requires all fonts to be embedded, prohibits encryption and external dependencies (like linked images or JavaScript), and mandates certain metadata. This ensures documents remain readable decades from now without any external resources.

Which PDF/A version should I use?

PDF/A-1b is the most widely accepted and compatible. PDF/A-2b adds support for JPEG2000 compression, transparency, and layers. PDF/A-3b allows embedded file attachments. For maximum compatibility, use PDF/A-1b. For modern features, use PDF/A-2b.

What if my PDF has features that aren't PDF/A compatible?

The converter automatically handles non-compliant elements: JavaScript is removed, transparency is flattened (for PDF/A-1), encryption is removed, and external references are resolved. The compliance report shows any changes made.

Is PDF/A required by law?

Many jurisdictions require PDF/A for official government records, court filings, and regulatory submissions. The EU, US federal agencies, and many national archives mandate PDF/A for long-term document preservation. Specific requirements vary by jurisdiction and document type.

PDF to PDF/A

Convert PDF documents to PDF/A archival format directly in your browser. PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format designed for long-term preservation of electronic documents, required by government archives, regulatory bodies, and organizations with records retention policies. Our converter ensures documents meet PDF/A compliance by embedding all fonts, removing external dependencies, and validating conformance. Processing runs locally via WebAssembly.

Requires server-side conversion

Powerful PDF to PDF/A Features

ISO Compliant

Convert to PDF/A-1b, 2b, or 3b meeting international archival standards.

Self-Contained

All fonts embedded, external dependencies resolved, encryption removed.

Private Conversion

Documents converted locally. No files uploaded to any archival service.

How To PDF to PDF/A Online for Free

Upload Your PDF

Drop your PDF into the tool. The document is analyzed for PDF/A compliance locally.

Choose Conformance Level

Select PDF/A-1b, 2b, or 3b depending on your archival requirements.

Download Archival PDF

Download the PDF/A compliant document with a conformance validation report.

Everything You Need in a PDF to PDF/A

Multiple Levels

PDF/A-1b, 2b, and 3b conformance levels for different archival needs.

Font Embedding

All fonts fully embedded so documents render correctly forever.

Auto Compliance

Non-compliant elements automatically handled or removed.

Validation Report

Post-conversion compliance check with detailed results.

Metadata Required

Required archival metadata and output intent automatically added.

Local Processing

WebAssembly converts to PDF/A on your device. Documents stay private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Document Work Made Easy

Process your PDFs with our collection of free, privacy-first tools. No uploads to servers, no registration required. Everything runs directly in your browser.

Linearize PDF

Flatten PDF

Edit Metadata

PDF Accessibility Check