Convert PDF to PDF/A for archiving
Make a PDF ready for long-term archiving and e-filing: embedded fonts, a colour profile, archival metadata and no scripts. Nothing is uploaded.
- Processed on your device, never uploaded
- Free, no sign-up, no watermark
Done
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About PDF to PDF/A
This free tool turns a normal PDF into a PDF/A file, the version of PDF made for long-term archiving and e-filing. It produces PDF/A-2b, the archival standard used by courts, governments and libraries. If you need to convert PDF to PDF/A online free, you can do it here without signing up and without a watermark.
When you add a file, the tool checks its fonts right away. PDF/A needs every font embedded, so pages with missing fonts are rebuilt as high-quality images that still carry a searchable, invisible text layer. The converter also adds an archival colour profile, metadata and identifiers, and removes scripts and attachments.
It suits anyone who has to file or store documents for years. For example, a small business owner submitting a signed contract to a court e-filing portal that only accepts PDF/A can convert it in a minute. Files are processed in your browser and are never uploaded.
How to use PDF to PDF/A
- Drop your PDF on the page, or click Choose file to browse. The fonts are checked straight away.
- Pick an option: keep pages as they are (works when fonts are embedded) or rebuild pages for maximum compatibility.
- Click Convert to PDF/A.
- Download your PDF/A-2b file.
- To start again with another document, click New file.
PDF/A-2b
The archival standard used by courts, governments and libraries for documents that must open for decades.
Stays searchable
Even rebuilt pages keep an invisible text layer with an embedded font.
Private by design
Converted in your browser; your PDF is never uploaded.
Font check
Missing fonts are detected and handled automatically.
Example
Input: contract-signed.pdf, with one font that is not embedded.
The tool spots the missing font and rebuilds those pages automatically.
You click Convert to PDF/A.
Result: a PDF/A-2b file with a searchable text layer, ready for an archive or e-filing portal.
PDF to PDF/A: questions people ask
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is an ISO standard for archiving. It keeps everything needed to display the document inside the file and does not allow features such as scripts.
Which PDF/A version does it make?
It makes PDF/A-2b (ISO 19005-2, level B).
Why did some pages turn into images?
PDF/A requires embedded fonts. Pages with missing fonts are rebuilt as high-quality images, and they keep searchable text.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Everything runs in your browser, so the file stays on your device. For strict checks of the result, use the free veraPDF validator.
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