PDF to PDF/A
Convert PDF to the archival PDF/A-2b standard
What is PDF to PDF/A conversion?
PDF/A is an ISO-standardised subset of PDF designed for long-term digital archiving. Converting a standard PDF to PDF/A-2b embeds all fonts, removes external dependencies, and ensures the document can be reliably reproduced decades from now without any special software.
Why convert PDF to PDF/A?
- Required for legal, government, and regulatory document archiving
- Embeds all fonts to guarantee identical rendering on future systems
- Removes JavaScript, encryption, and external links that could break over time
- ISO 19005 compliance for long-term digital preservation
What is the difference between PDF and PDF/A?
The table below compares PDF vs PDF/A across key format characteristics.
| Feature | PDF/A | |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .pdf (PDF/A) | |
| Editability | Fixed layout | Fixed layout (archival) |
| Formatting preservation | Exact everywhere | Exact everywhere |
| File size | Compact | Larger |
| Platform support | Universal | Universal |
| Best use case | Sharing, archival | Long-term archival |
| ISO archival standard | No | Yes |
Choose PDF for sharing, archival. Choose PDF/A for long-term archival.
How to convert PDF to PDF/A
Upload your PDF document
Click the upload area above or drag and drop your PDF file onto the converter.
Click "Convert to PDF/A"
The conversion runs instantly in the cloud at high quality. No software installation required.
Download your PDF/A file
Click the Download button to save your converted PDF/A document directly to your device.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PDF and PDF/A?
PDF/A is a restricted subset of PDF that prohibits features that could prevent future rendering: external font references, JavaScript, audio/video, and encryption. This guarantees the document is self-contained and viewable indefinitely.
Which PDF/A version does this tool produce?
PDF/A-2b, which is the most widely accepted version. It supports JPEG2000 compression, transparency, and layers while maintaining strict archival compliance.
Will converting to PDF/A change how my document looks?
In most cases, no. The visual appearance is preserved. The conversion embeds missing fonts and removes prohibited features like JavaScript, but the page content and layout remain unchanged.