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PDF to PDF/A - Convert for Long-term Archival Storage

Convert PDF to PDF/A (ISO 19005) archival standard. Ensure your documents are preserved for decades. Perfect for legal, government, and historical archives. Free PDF/A converter.

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PDF/A Conversion Options

Convert your PDF to archival-quality PDF/A format for long-term preservation.

PDF/A Conformance Level

PDF/A-1b

Basic visual preservation (2005)

PDF/A-2b

Modern standard with better compression (2011)

PDF/A-3b

Allows file attachments (2012)

PDF/A embeds all fonts and resources. The file size may increase, but your document will be readable forever.

How to PDF to PDF/A - Convert for Long-term Archival Storage

1. Upload

Select or drag & drop your file into the upload area.

2. Configure

Adjust settings if needed, then click the process button.

3. Download

Download your processed file. It's that simple!

Convert PDF to PDF/A for Digital Preservation

PDF/A (ISO 19005) is the international standard for long-term archival of electronic documents. By converting regular PDFs to PDF/A format, you ensure documents remain accessible and authentic for decades, meeting requirements for legal, government, academic, and corporate archives.

Why Archives and Libraries Use PDF/A

Museums, libraries, universities, and government agencies rely on PDF/A to preserve historical records, research papers, and official documents. The format embeds all fonts, images, and color information, eliminating dependencies on external resources that may become unavailable over time.

PDF/A Conformance Levels Explained

PDF/A-1b ensures basic visual reproduction. PDF/A-2b adds modern compression and transparency. PDF/A-3b allows embedding attachments. Choose PDF/A-2b for most archival needs - it provides excellent compatibility while supporting modern PDF features essential for long-term preservation.

Why Convert to PDF/A?

Long-term Preservation

PDF/A ensures your documents remain readable for decades, even as software and systems evolve.

Future-Proof Format

All fonts, colors, and resources are embedded, guaranteeing identical appearance forever.

ISO Compliance

Meets ISO 19005 international standard for electronic document preservation and archival.

Legal Acceptance

PDF/A is legally accepted for court filings, government records, and regulatory compliance.

Library & Archive Ready

Perfect for academic institutions, museums, and libraries preserving digital collections.

Self-Contained Files

No external dependencies - everything needed to display the document is embedded inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PDF/A and why do I need it?

PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of PDF designed specifically for long-term archival. Unlike regular PDFs that may depend on external fonts or resources, PDF/A embeds everything needed to display the document. This ensures it will look exactly the same in 50+ years, regardless of software changes.

What are the different PDF/A conformance levels?

PDF/A-1b is the most basic level, ensuring visual appearance is preserved. PDF/A-2b adds JPEG 2000 compression and transparency support. PDF/A-3b allows embedding of other file types. For most archival purposes, PDF/A-2b offers the best balance of features and compatibility.

Will my file size increase after conversion?

Yes, typically by 10-30%. PDF/A embeds all fonts and color profiles that might otherwise be external references. This slight size increase guarantees the document will display correctly forever, making it worthwhile for archival purposes.

Is PDF/A required for legal documents?

Many courts and government agencies require or strongly prefer PDF/A for official filings. It ensures documents remain accessible and authentic years later. Check with your specific jurisdiction, but PDF/A is increasingly becoming the standard for legal archival.

Can I still edit a PDF/A file?

PDF/A is designed for preservation, not editing. While you can view and print PDF/A files normally, most editing features are restricted to maintain document integrity. If you need to make changes, edit the original PDF before converting to PDF/A.