Convert PDF to PDF/A Online Free
Convert your PDF files to PDF/A archival format for long-term preservation and regulatory compliance. Choose from PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, or PDF/A-3 standards.
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Convert PDF to PDF/A - Archival Format for Long-Term Preservation
PDF/A is the international standard (ISO 19005) for archiving electronic documents. Converting your PDFs to PDF/A ensures they can be opened and displayed exactly the same way years or even decades into the future, regardless of software updates or technology changes. Our free online converter supports all major PDF/A versions.
Supported PDF/A Standards
PDF/A-1A & PDF/A-1B
PDF/A-1A: Full compliance with tagged structure for accessibility. Best for documents requiring screen readers.
PDF/A-1B: Basic visual preservation. Ensures document appearance is preserved.
PDF/A-2A & PDF/A-2B
PDF/A-2A: Full accessibility with JPEG 2000 compression and transparency support.
PDF/A-2B: Visual preservation with modern compression for smaller file sizes.
PDF/A-3A & PDF/A-3B
PDF/A-3A: Full accessibility with embedded file attachments of any format.
PDF/A-3B: Visual preservation with attachments. Ideal for invoices with XML data.
Long-Term Preservation
Your documents remain readable for decades, independent of software or hardware changes.
Regulatory Compliance
Meet legal requirements for courts, government agencies, and regulatory bodies worldwide.
Self-Contained Files
All fonts, colors, and metadata are embedded - no external dependencies required.
Instant Conversion
Convert your PDFs to PDF/A format in seconds - no software installation needed.
How to Convert PDF to PDF/A
- Upload your PDF file - Click the upload button or drag and drop your PDF document.
- Select PDF/A standard - Choose your preferred version (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, or 3B). PDF/A-1A is recommended for most use cases.
- Download your PDF/A file - Click "Convert to PDF/A" and download your archival-ready document.
When to Use PDF/A
Legal & Court Documents
Many courts and legal systems require PDF/A for electronic filing and long-term record keeping.
Government Submissions
Government agencies worldwide mandate PDF/A for official document archives and submissions.
Financial Records
Archive invoices, tax documents, and financial reports for compliance and audit purposes.
Medical Records
Healthcare organizations use PDF/A to preserve patient records for required retention periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF/A format?
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of PDF designed for long-term digital preservation. It ensures documents can be reproduced exactly the same way years or decades into the future, regardless of software changes.
Which PDF/A version should I choose?
PDF/A-1A is recommended for maximum accessibility and strictest compliance. PDF/A-1B is suitable for basic visual preservation. PDF/A-2 adds JPEG 2000 support, and PDF/A-3 allows embedding any file type.
What's the difference between "A" and "B" variants?
"A" variants (1A, 2A, 3A) require full accessibility features like tagged structure and Unicode text. "B" variants (1B, 2B, 3B) only ensure visual preservation without accessibility requirements.
Is PDF/A required for legal documents?
Many government agencies, courts, and regulatory bodies require or recommend PDF/A for official document submission. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and industry.
Will my document look the same after conversion?
Yes, PDF/A preserves the exact visual appearance of your document. All fonts, images, and colors are embedded to ensure consistent rendering.