Convert PDF documents to ISO-compliant PDF/A for archiving.
In the digital world, "saving" a file doesn't always mean it will be readable in the future. Fonts get lost, software changes, and formats become obsolete. For legal documents, government records, and historical archives, you need a format that stands the test of time. This is exactly what **PDF/A** is designed for.
Our **PDF to PDF/A Converter** transforms your standard PDF documents into ISO-compliant files (PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b). This process embeds all necessary fonts, color profiles, and metadata into the file itself, ensuring it looks exactly the same 50 years from now as it does today.
PDF/A (Portable Document Format for Archiving) is an ISO-standardized version of PDF specialized for use in the archiving and long-term preservation of electronic documents. It differs from standard PDF by restricting features that are ill-suited for long-term archiving, such as font linking (as opposed to embedding) and encryption.
Converting to PDF/A is not just about following rules; it's about protecting your data's integrity:
Many courts, government agencies, and international organizations require documents to be submitted in PDF/A format to ensure they remain accessible in the public record indefinitely.
Have you ever opened a PDF and found weird symbols because you didn't have the right font installed? PDF/A solves this by forcing all fonts to be embedded. The text will always look correct.
PDF/A ensures consistent color reproduction and layout across all devices and operating systems, from Windows and Mac to Linux and mobile.
Making your documents compliant is easy with our tool:
Drag and drop your standard PDF file into the teal box above. We accept files up to 128MB.
Our server analyzes your file and rebuilds it according to the ISO 19005 standard. It embeds missing fonts, converts colors to a standard profile, and removes non-compliant elements like Javascript.
Download your new `.pdf` file. While it looks identical to the original, it is now robust, secure, and ready for long-term storage.
When e-filing documents with the court systems (like PACER in the US), PDF/A is often mandatory.
Universities often require electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) to be submitted in PDF/A to ensure future researchers can read your work.
Invoices, annual reports, and employee contracts should be archived in PDF/A to meet audit and compliance regulations.
PDF/A-1 is the original, strictest standard (no transparency). PDF/A-2 (our default) allows transparency and layers, making it better for modern files. PDF/A-3 allows embedding other file formats (like XML) inside the PDF.
Yes, usually. Because PDF/A requires embedding all fonts and color profiles, the file size may grow slightly. This is the trade-off for ensuring the file works everywhere, forever.
No. The PDF/A standard forbids encryption. You must remove the password using our "Unlock PDF" tool before converting it to PDF/A.
Future-proof your documents today. Upload your PDF and convert to PDF/A for free!
