PDF to PDF/A Converter
Convert your PDF files to PDF/A format for long-term archiving
Why Convert PDF to PDF/A?
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of the Portable Document Format (PDF) specialized for digital preservation. Converting your documents to PDF/A ensures they remain readable and accessible for decades to come, making it the ideal format for archiving important documents.
Key Benefits of PDF/A Format:
- Long-term preservation: PDF/A files are self-contained and don't rely on external resources
- Device independence: Documents look the same on any device or platform
- Compliance: Meets international standards for document archiving (ISO 19005)
- Accessibility: Supports text recognition and accessibility features
- Security: Embedded fonts and prohibited encryption ensure future readability
Common Use Cases for PDF/A Conversion:
Legal Documents
Court filings, contracts, and notarized documents that need to be preserved exactly as created.
Government Records
Official reports, regulations, and public records requiring long-term accessibility.
Academic Research
Theses, dissertations, and research papers that must remain accessible for future scholars.
How Our PDF to PDF/A Converter Works
Simple 3-Step Process
- Upload your PDF file by dragging and dropping or clicking to browse
- Select conversion options (PDF/A version and compliance level)
- Download your PDF/A file - your document is now archive-ready
Understanding PDF/A Versions
| Version | ISO Standard | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| PDF/A-1 | ISO 19005-1:2005 | Basic preservation, no transparency, no attachments |
| PDF/A-2 | ISO 19005-2:2011 | Supports JPEG2000, transparency, and PDF layers |
| PDF/A-3 | ISO 19005-3:2012 | Allows embedding of non-PDF/A files (like original Office docs) |
Pro Tip: Choosing the Right PDF/A Version
For most archiving purposes, PDF/A-2 offers the best balance of features and compatibility. Use PDF/A-1 only when maximum compatibility with older systems is required, and PDF/A-3 when you need to preserve original source files within the PDF container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDF to PDF/A conversion lossless?
The conversion process is designed to preserve all visible content of your original PDF. However, some non-archival features (like multimedia content or JavaScript) may be removed or modified to comply with PDF/A standards.
How does PDF/A differ from regular PDF?
PDF/A prohibits features unsuitable for long-term archiving, such as font linking (as opposed to embedding), encryption, and external content references. It also requires metadata and document structure information.
Can I convert PDF/A back to regular PDF?
Yes, PDF/A files can be saved as regular PDFs, but this may defeat the purpose of having an archival-quality document. The conversion from PDF to PDF/A is typically one-way for preservation purposes.
Is this service free to use?
Yes, our online PDF to PDF/A converter is completely free with no watermarks or usage limits. Convert as many files as you need!
