PDF → PDF/A
Convert a PDF to the PDF/A archival format online (1b, 2b, 3b). Prepare documents for courts, archives, and document-management systems.
- 1Files
- 2Settings
- 3Run
- 4Result
1. Files
Source file
Accepted formats: .pdf2. Settings
3. Run
Attach a file to continue
How it works
- 1Upload the PDF you need in the archival format.
- 2Pick the version: PDF/A-2b fits most cases.
- 3Click 'Convert' and download a document ready for long-term storage.
Frequently asked questions
- What is PDF/A and why use it?
- PDF/A is the ISO 19005 standard for long-term preservation: fonts are embedded, JavaScript and external dependencies are forbidden. Such a document will render identically 20 years from now. Courts, archives, and many document-management systems require PDF/A.
- Which version should I pick?
- PDF/A-2b is the standard choice for most tasks. PDF/A-1b is the oldest and strictest version, requested by conservative systems. PDF/A-3b is needed when files are attached inside the PDF, e.g. XML for e-invoicing.
- Will the document look different?
- No, the layout is preserved. Features the standard forbids (transparency in PDF/A-1, JavaScript) are converted or removed automatically.
- Is passing every validator guaranteed?
- Conversion is done by Ghostscript — the industry standard. For critical scenarios (state archive submission) we recommend additionally checking the result with the receiving party's validator, e.g. veraPDF.
Read the full guide: What PDF/A Is and How to Convert a Document to the Archival Format →