Convert a PDF to PDF/A

What this conversion does and does not do

PDF/A (ISO 19005) is a PDF built to look the same in 20 or 50 years: everything needed to display it must live inside the file. This tool prepares your document in your browser:

• XMP metadata declaring PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b, synced with the document title and dates.
• sRGB color profile (OutputIntent) so colors are defined without ambiguity.
• Cleanup: JavaScript, automatic actions, attachments and encryption removed; annotations set to print.
• Audit of non-embedded fonts, transparency and scripts.

An honest limit: a browser cannot embed the standard fonts (Helvetica, Times and so on) that an existing PDF left out. For those files, the "flatten to images" option satisfies the font rule, but the text becomes an image.

PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b?

When unsure, pick PDF/A-2b unless the organization receiving the file explicitly asks for part 1.

Checking the result

This tool does not replace an official validator. If your filing demands strict compliance (a thesis submission, legal archiving, a government bid), run the output through a recognized validator such as veraPDF. PDFs produced by the "PDF/A" export in Word or LibreOffice are usually already compliant, so use that export when you can.

How to convert a PDF to PDF/A step by step

First, drop your file in: the tool runs an audit right away. Then choose the level and, if needed, flattening. Finally, download the result.

1. First, drop in a PDF up to 200 MB.
2. Then read the audit: fonts, transparency, JavaScript and attachments.
3. Next, pick PDF/A-2b, or PDF/A-1b if the receiving office asks for it.
4. After that, tick "flatten to images" if some fonts are not embedded.
5. Finally, download your PDF/A file.

If the file asks for a password, the tool requests it before opening the document. In that case, type it, or remove the protection with the tool to protect or unlock a PDF.

What the audit checks before a PDF to PDF/A conversion

The audit reads your document before any PDF to PDF/A conversion. In practice, it tells you right away whether the conversion will deliver.

Flattening gives a faithful page, but you can no longer select the text. Still, it guarantees an identical look in every viewer.

When you need a PDF to PDF/A conversion

• For a thesis or dissertation upload, when the school asks for an archival format.
• For a government bid, because some packets require PDF/A.
• For contracts or invoices you must keep, since a self-contained file stays readable for years.
• For a library or nonprofit digital collection, so the documents stay readable.

Before you archive, you can compress the PDF or merge several files. For a scan, start with PDF OCR so the text becomes searchable. Finally, the PDF editor fixes a typo before the PDF to PDF/A step.

Common mistakes when you convert PDF to PDF/A

• Assuming the tool certifies the standard: it prepares the file, but it does not certify anything.
• Skipping the font audit, even though one missing font blocks compliance.
• Choosing PDF/A-1b out of habit: if you have transparency, level 2b fits better.
• Forgetting to export from Word or LibreOffice: their PDF/A export often gives a better result.

That way you save time and avoid a last-minute rejection. A clean PDF to PDF/A run also takes seconds, and you can repeat it as often as you like. Besides, a second PDF to PDF/A pass costs nothing if the first audit shows a problem. Also, rerun the audit after any edit. Then compare the new result with the old one. Finally, keep both files until the receiving office confirms.