PDF to PDF/A
Convert PDF to PDF/A for archiving, and check it with veraPDF.
or drop files here
Free: files up to 50 MB · up to 3 files · up to 50 pages per task · 15 of 15 free tasks left today. See plans
Files are encrypted in transit and deleted after 2 hours. You can delete them sooner.
PDF/A is the ISO standard for archiving PDFs: fonts are embedded and nothing depends on outside resources. PDF to PDF/A converts your file and validates that it complies.
How to convert a PDF to PDF/A in 3 steps
- 1
Choose your PDF files, or drop them anywhere on the page.
- 2
Keep PDF/A-2b, which suits most archives, or pick another version under More options.
- 3
Select Convert to PDF/A and download the file together with the validation result.
What can PDF to PDF/A do?
- PDF/A-1b, 1a, 2b, 2u, 2a, 3b, 3u and 3a.
- The result is checked with veraPDF, the open-source reference validator.
- If your PDF cannot meet the level, we produce the closest level it can meet and explain why.
- Or only check a PDF and get a PDF report.
- Fonts are embedded and colours are tied to an sRGB profile.
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is an ISO standard (ISO 19005) version of PDF made for long-term archiving: it embeds everything needed to show the file the same way in decades to come. Fonts are embedded, colours are tied to a colour profile, and features that depend on outside resources or scripts are not allowed. Libraries, courts and tax offices often ask for it.
How does the conversion check compliance?
PDF to PDF/A converts with Ghostscript and then validates the result with veraPDF, the open-source reference validator, so you know the file meets the standard, not just that a conversion ran. If your PDF cannot meet the level you chose, we produce the closest level it can meet and explain why. To check a file without converting it, use Validate PDF/A.
What should I do before converting?
Remove any password first with Unlock PDF, because PDF/A files cannot be encrypted. For scans, run OCR PDF first if you want the archived copy to be searchable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a PDF to PDF/A?
Add the PDF to PDF to PDF/A and select Convert to PDF/A. The file is converted to PDF/A-2b by default and then checked with veraPDF, so you know it meets the standard.
Which PDF/A version should I choose?
PDF/A-2b suits most archives and is the default. Choose PDF/A-1b if the receiver asks for the oldest standard, a u level for reliable text search and copy, an a level for tagged structure, or PDF/A-3 if you need embedded attachments.
What is the difference between PDF/A-2b and PDF/A-2a?
PDF/A-2a also requires a tagged PDF with document structure. If your PDF is not tagged we produce level b and tell you; turn off Allow a lower level if you prefer an error.
What gets removed when converting to PDF/A?
Encryption, JavaScript, multimedia and some transparency are not allowed in PDF/A. Digital signatures are invalidated by the conversion, and encrypted files must be unlocked first.
Is it safe to convert a PDF to PDF/A online?
Yes. Files are processed on our servers, encrypted in transit and deleted automatically after 2 hours. You can also delete them right away from the result screen.
Is PDF to PDF/A free?
Yes, with free daily tasks. File size, page count and tasks per day depend on your plan; the exact limits are shown on the page before you upload, and a free account raises them.
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Last updated October 23, 2026