PDF to PDF/AConvert PDF to PDF/A archival format for long-term preservation
Convert PDF to the PDF/A archival standard for long-term preservation. PDF/A embeds all fonts and resources so your document looks identical decades from now. Runs in your browser with no file uploads.
What is PDF/A and When Do You Need It
PDF/A is an ISO standard for long-term document preservation. It embeds all fonts, color profiles, and metadata so the file is self-contained - it will display identically regardless of what software opens it, even 50 years from now. Required by courts, government agencies, and regulated industries.
Choose Your Compliance Level
PDF/A-1b provides basic visual preservation - the most widely accepted standard. PDF/A-2b adds support for transparency, JPEG2000 compression, and embedded files. Choose based on your regulatory requirements or go with PDF/A-2b for modern documents.
What Changes During Conversion
The converter embeds all referenced fonts, removes external dependencies, strips JavaScript and actions, and adds required metadata. The visual appearance stays identical. Interactive form fields are flattened - use Flatten PDF beforehand if you want to review what changes.
Archival Conversion Without Uploading
Legal documents and government records are exactly the kind of files you cannot afford to upload to a third-party server. The conversion runs entirely in your browser. No cloud processing, no temporary storage, no compliance risks.
How to Convert PDF to PDF/A Online
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF or click to browse - no file size limits.
Select PDF/A Standard
Choose PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b compliance level based on your requirements.
Download PDF/A
Click Convert and download the archival-compliant file ready for long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF/A and why should I use it?
PDF/A is an ISO standard for long-term document preservation. It ensures your file is self-contained and will display identically on any device, at any point in the future. Required by many legal and regulatory systems.
Will my document look different after conversion?
No. The visual appearance is preserved exactly. The conversion embeds fonts and resources but does not change how the document looks.
What is the difference between PDF/A-1b and PDF/A-2b?
PDF/A-1b is the original standard with broadest acceptance. PDF/A-2b is newer and supports transparency, JPEG2000, and embedded files while maintaining the same preservation guarantees.
Does conversion remove interactive elements?
Yes. PDF/A does not allow JavaScript, form fields, or external links. Interactive elements are flattened into static content during conversion.
Can I convert a PDF/A back to regular PDF?
A PDF/A file is a valid PDF - you can open and use it normally. To remove the PDF/A restrictions, simply re-save it as a standard PDF.
Is this accepted for court filings?
PDF/A is the standard format accepted by most courts and regulatory bodies. Check your specific jurisdiction's requirements for the exact compliance level needed.