Convert PDF to PDF/A
Embed fonts and remove active dependencies to create archival-quality PDF/A documents.
How to Convert PDF to PDF/A
1.
Upload PDF – Select the standard PDF documents you intend to archive.
2.
Convert to PDF/A – Click the convert button to embed missing fonts and strip non-compliant multimedia.
3.
Download Archive – Save the compliant, flattened PDF/A document to your long-term storage.
Embedding Required Elements
Upload a standard PDF document. The tool processes the file to embed all necessary fonts, color profiles, and visual elements directly into the document, ensuring it meets ISO standards for long-term accessibility. Download a fully compliant PDF/A ready for long-term storage.
Removing Interactive Content
A compliant archival document cannot rely on dynamic content. During conversion, the tool automatically disables external references, JavaScript, audio, and video elements that could break rendering in the future.
Handling Encrypted Files
Password protection and Digital Rights Management (DRM) are strictly forbidden within the PDF/A specification. If your file is locked, you must use unlock PDF to strip the encryption layer before you can initiate the archival conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during PDF/A conversion?
The converter embeds all used fonts and color profiles into the file while removing interactive elements like JavaScript or embedded video to ensure the document looks identical on any device, forever.
Why did my file size increase?
Because PDF/A requires all visual data—including system fonts and color spaces—to be fully embedded within the file rather than referenced externally, the resulting byte size generally increases.
Can I convert secure documents?
No. The specification demands that archival files remain openly accessible without keys. You must remove passwords before converting.
Will my active hyperlinks still work?
External hyperlinks are typically retained as text annotations in modern PDF/A variations, but internal scripts or links calling dynamic actions will be disabled or stripped entirely.
Can I compress a PDF/A?
Compressing a highly conforming PDF/A runs the risk of stripping out the embedded data needed for its compliance. It is advised to avoid applying standard compression macros after conversion.
Do I need special software to read PDF/A?
No. PDF/A files are backwards compatible and can be opened in any standard PDF viewer natively.
Why did my transparent shapes turn opaque?
Older ISO archival specifications (like PDF/A-1) do not support transparency mapping. The tool will automatically flatten overlapping, transparent vectors into solid shapes to force compliance.
Is the conversion processed securely?
Yes. All font embedding and data stripping occurs securely over an encrypted connection. Processed files are permanently deleted from the system promptly.