What is the difference between PDF and PDF/A?

PDF/A ensures a document still opens and looks the same years later. Fonts and metadata are embedded, and elements that could prevent the file from opening later are restricted.

Yes. You can convert PDF to PDF/A for free in your browser.

Which PDF/A level should I choose?

PDF/A-2b is the most common choice for general archiving. Use PDF/A-1b for legacy systems, or PDF/A-3b if you need embedded attachments.

Files are processed for conversion only and deleted from the server shortly after.

What does «allow compliance downgrade» mean?

If the source PDF has incompatible elements, the engine tries to adjust settings automatically so conversion can succeed instead of failing.

PDF to PDF/A

Turn a PDF into PDF/A so it opens the same way years later

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What does this PDF-to-PDF/A tool do?

It converts a PDF into PDF/A for long-term archiving: fonts are embedded and reliance on external elements that may disappear later is reduced. Some universities and records offices require it.

Upload, download the PDF/A, then open it in a reader that supports validation if the recipient requires a conformance report. Rich media files may be simplified during conversion.

PDF/A is for archiving; use compression if size is the issue. Files are deleted after conversion. Check which PDF/A profile the office asks for.

When do you need PDF/A?

Submitting a thesis to a university library.
Filing administrative decisions in a records system.
Preparing a tender pack that mandates PDF/A.

PDF/A ensures a document opens with the same appearance years later by embedding the fonts and data it needs.

PDF/A compliance level

PDF 1.4 — level b (basic): embedded fonts, metadata, color management.

PDF 1.4 — level a (accessible): document structure and image descriptions.

PDF 1.7 — level b (recommended): JPEG2000, transparency, OpenType fonts.

PDF 1.7 — level u: requires Unicode text mapping.

PDF 1.7 — level a: accessibility with PDF/A-2 features.

PDF 1.7 — level b: allows embedded files (XML, CSV…) inside PDF/A.

PDF 1.7 — level u: Unicode plus embedded files.

PDF 1.7 — level a: accessibility plus embedded files.

Allow compliance downgrade If the source PDF has incompatible elements, the level may be lowered automatically to complete conversion.

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PDF/A compliance level

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