PDF to PDF/A
Convert a PDF to PDF/A-2B, the ISO archival standard, so it stays readable and consistent for the long term.
Upload OR Drag Files
Supports PDF
or click here and press Ctrl+V / ⌘+V to paste a file
or press Ctrl+V / ⌘+V to paste a file
Processing Document
Initializing task...
This task could not be finished.
Completed!
Your File is Ready to Download.
Privacy Guaranteed
Your files are processed securely and this download link will expire automatically after a few days.
Share this File
Love this tool? Work faster with our Chrome Extension
Access all 62 tools instantly with keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+P
Rate this tool
How would you rate your experience with PDF to PDF/A?
Be the first to rate this tool
How to Use PDF to PDF/A
Fast, private, and 100% free with no account creation or file size restrictions.
1. Upload Files
Drag and drop your file into the secure dropzone above, or browse directly from your phone, tablet, or desktop.
2. Configure & Process
Adjust options, arrange pages, set password protection or compression quality, and click the convert button.
3. Instant Download
Save the resulting file immediately. All files are encrypted and automatically deleted from our servers within 48 hours.
Discover More
Explore Other PDF Tools
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
Professional PDF Utility
See every PDF tool
From the Blog
Related Blogs
Convert a PDF to PDF/A for long-term archiving
Upload a PDF and get back a PDF/A-2B file built to the ISO standard for long-term document preservation.
Upload Your PDF
Add the PDF you need in an archival-ready format.
We Convert to PDF/A-2B
Our converter processes the file with Ghostscript, converting colors to RGB and embedding the output intent profile the PDF/A-2B standard requires.
Download Your File
Download your PDF/A file, ready to store or submit to institutions that require the archival format.
Built for Long-Term Preservation
Everything you need to make a PDF archive-ready.
Enterprise Security
Your files are encrypted with 256-bit SSL and removed from our servers automatically after conversion.
ISO-Standard Output
The result conforms to PDF/A-2B, an ISO standard designed so documents render identically no matter what software opens them years from now.
Embedded Output Intent
A color output profile is embedded directly in the file, a core requirement for a document to be considered valid PDF/A.
Unlimited Usage
No file limits and no hidden fees. Convert as many PDFs to PDF/A as you need, in a single batch.
Validated Output
Every converted file is checked to confirm it contains a valid PDF/A output intent before it's returned to you.
Cross-Platform
Works in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices, with no software to install.
Solutions for Every Need
People convert to PDF/A for records that need to last.
Archivists and Librarians
Convert digitized records and documents into PDF/A so they remain accessible in institutional archives for decades.
Legal and Compliance Teams
Prepare contracts and filings in a format that some courts and regulators specifically require for long-term retention.
Government and Public Sector Staff
Convert official documents to PDF/A to meet agency recordkeeping policies before they're filed or submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of PDF designed specifically for long-term archiving, ensuring a document looks the same no matter what software or hardware opens it in the future.
Which PDF/A version does this tool produce?
Files are converted to PDF/A-2B, one of the most widely accepted PDF/A conformance levels.
Will the colors in my document change?
Colors are converted to the RGB color space as part of meeting the PDF/A-2B requirements. Most documents look the same, though very color-precise print files may see a slight shift.
Can I convert multiple PDFs to PDF/A at once?
Yes. Upload several files and each one is converted and returned together in a single zip download.
What happens if a file can't be converted?
If the file cannot be verified as valid PDF/A after conversion, it's excluded from your download rather than returned in a broken state.
Is it safe to upload confidential documents?
Yes. All uploads happen over an encrypted connection, and both the source file and the converted PDF/A file are automatically deleted from our servers after processing.
Is converting to PDF/A really free?
Yes. There is no cost, no subscription, and no account required.
Can I convert PDF/A back to a regular PDF?
A PDF/A file is still a standard PDF and opens normally in any PDF reader. There's no separate conversion needed to use it like any other PDF.