How to Convert PDF to PDF/A for Long-Term Archiving

Regular PDFs can break in a decade — fonts go missing, JavaScript stops running, encryption keys expire. PDF/A is the archival format designed to outlive all of that. Here's how to convert.

Key takeaways

PDF/A-2b is the safest modern default
Strips JavaScript, encryption, external references
Validate with veraPDF after conversion for legal submissions

Why convert to PDF/A

PDF/A enforces self-containment: every font is embedded, every colour profile is specified, no JavaScript, no encryption, no external file references. The result is a file that any standards-compliant viewer can render identically — today, in 50 years, on any operating system.

Step-by-step

Upload your PDF, click Convert, download the PDF/A. Our converter outputs PDF/A-2b — the safest modern default with broad legal and government acceptance.

What gets stripped

JavaScript, encryption, audio/video, and external references are removed. Unembedded fonts get embedded automatically. The visual content stays identical.

Validating compliance

After conversion, validate with veraPDF (free, open source) or Adobe Acrobat Pro's Preflight tool to confirm strict compliance — required for many legal and government submissions.

Frequently asked questions

Which PDF/A version should I pick?

PDF/A-2b unless a specific regulator demands PDF/A-1b. PDF/A-3 only if you need to embed source data alongside the PDF.

Can I edit a PDF/A?

Yes, but editing breaks compliance. Edit, then re-export to PDF/A.

Is conversion free?

Yes — our PDF to PDF/A tool is free, with a generous daily limit.