Convert a PDF to archival PDF/A document format
Prepare a PDF for long-term archiving with PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b or PDF/A-3b compatibility and standardized color handling.
- 1 free task a day, no account needed
- No watermarks
- Encrypted in transit
- Deleted automatically
PDF to PDF/A online, free
Create an archival PDF/A copy of an existing PDF for records retention and document repositories. Choose PDF/A-1b, 2b or 3b, with 2b as the default; the conversion applies standardized RGB color handling and may alter unsupported PDF features.
Good for: records retention, institutional archives, compliance handoffs.
- Archival profiles
- Long-term focus
- Familiar file
Archival profiles
Select the PDF/A part required by your records policy.
Long-term focus
Produce a standardized PDF intended for reliable future rendering.
Familiar file
The result remains a PDF, rather than an image-only export.
Works on any device
PDF to PDF/A runs in the browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. Nothing to install.
How to convert a PDF to archival PDF/A document format
- 1
Upload the PDF to archive.
- 2
Choose PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b or PDF/A-3b.
- 3
Download the converted PDF and validate it for your archive.
Limits and formats
- Input
- Output
- PDF/A
- Files per run
- One file
- Max file size
- 25 MB for guests; free account 50 MB, Premium 500 MB
- Kept for
- 1 hour, then deleted
- Account
- Not required
Frequently asked questions
Which PDF/A level should I use?
2b is the default for visual preservation with modern PDF features. Use 1b or 3b when your repository specifically requires that level.
Does PDF/A guarantee my archive will accept the file?
No. Repository policies differ; run the resulting file through your archive's PDF/A validator before submission.
Can conversion change colors or interactive features?
Yes. The process standardizes color handling and PDF/A restricts certain PDF features; compare the output to the source.
What is the free file size limit?
Guests can upload files up to 25 MB each. A free account raises the limit to 50 MB per file, and Premium allows 500 MB per file with larger batches.
Are uploaded documents private?
Files are encrypted in transit and automatically deleted after a short time following processing.
Anything missing? Read how files are handled or write to support.
Related PDF tools
Tools people use before or after PDF to PDF/A.
- Repair PDFNewCheck and rewrite damaged PDF files to recover readable content.
- PDF to PostScriptNewGenerate a Level 2 or Level 3 PostScript file from a PDF for printing.
- Compress PDFReduce PDF file size for easier email attachments and uploads.
- Remove PDF MetadataNewClear document properties and embedded XMP metadata from a PDF.
- Linearize PDFNewPrepare a PDF for progressive first-page loading over the web.
- PDF to WordMove text from a PDF into an editable DOCX for revisions and reuse.
74 free PDF tools in one place
Convert, organize, edit, protect and compress PDFs without installing anything.