Skip to main content
All Tools
Premium PRO

PDF to PDF/A Converter

Turn any PDF into a self-contained PDF/A file for archiving, courts, and compliance

Drop your file here

or

Browse files

.PDF · up to 25 MB

Premium Feature

PDF/A conversion is a Premium action. Upgrade to run it — the page and FAQ are free to read.

Choose 2b unless a specific authority requires 1b or 3b.

How PDF to PDF/A conversion works

  1. Upload the PDF you want to archive.
  2. Pick a PDF/A level (2b is the recommended default).
  3. Convert — fonts are embedded and colors pinned to an ICC profile.
  4. Download your validated PDF/A file.

Note: Output is validated structurally (OutputIntent + conformance level). For legally binding filings, verify once with veraPDF.

Convert PDF to PDF/A for archiving, courts and compliance

The PDF to PDF/A converter turns an ordinary PDF into an ISO 19005 archival file that is guaranteed to display the same way for decades. It embeds all fonts, converts colors to an ICC OutputIntent, and strips features the standard forbids (JavaScript, encryption, external media), then verifies the result actually declares conformance.

PDF/A is the format of choice for court filings, tax records, tenders, medical archives and university theses - anywhere a document must remain readable and unchanged for the long term. We support PDF/A-1b (maximum compatibility), PDF/A-2b (the modern default) and PDF/A-3b (allows embedded attachments such as ZUGFeRD invoice XML).

Conversion is a Premium action. The output is validated structurally against the level you choose; for legally binding submissions we recommend a final pass through the open-source veraPDF validator - and we say so honestly rather than overpromising.

Why convert to PDF/A with Convertica?

Built to Last Decades

Fonts are embedded and colors pinned to an ICC profile, so the file renders the same in 20 years as it does today

Accepted by Courts & Agencies

Many courts, tax authorities and tenders accept PDF/A only. We validate the output structurally so you submit with confidence

Choose Your Level

PDF/A-1b for maximum compatibility, 2b for modern documents (default), or 3b when you must embed source attachments

Private & Secure

Files are processed over an encrypted connection and deleted right after conversion. No registration for the landing page

Tips for reliable PDF/A conversion

  • Pick PDF/A-2b unless an authority explicitly asks for 1b or 3b
  • Unlock password-protected PDFs first - PDF/A cannot be encrypted
  • Text-based PDFs convert most reliably; scanned pages are archived as images
  • For legally binding filings, run the result through veraPDF as a final check
  • Use PDF/A-3b when you need to embed the original source file (e.g. e-invoice XML)

PDF to PDF/A Converter - FAQ

What is PDF/A and why do I need it?
PDF/A (ISO 19005) is the archival standard for PDF. A PDF/A file is fully self-contained: all fonts are embedded, colors are described by an ICC profile, and features that would break long-term display (JavaScript, encryption, external links, audio/video) are removed. Courts, government agencies, tax authorities and universities often require PDF/A because the file will look the same for decades.
Which PDF/A level should I choose: 1b, 2b or 3b?
Choose PDF/A-2b (the default) for most documents - it is modern and supports transparency and layers. Choose PDF/A-1b when an authority specifically requires the oldest, most compatible level (transparency is flattened). Choose PDF/A-3b only when you must embed source files such as the original invoice XML (for example ZUGFeRD e-invoices).
Is the converted file guaranteed to pass validation?
We verify every output structurally - it must carry a PDF/A OutputIntent and declare the conformance level you selected, or we return an error instead of a non-compliant file. For a legally binding submission we recommend a final check with a full validator such as veraPDF, the open-source industry reference.
Why do some fonts look slightly different afterwards?
PDF/A requires every font to be embedded. If the source PDF references a font that cannot be embedded (for licensing or technical reasons), the converter substitutes the closest free equivalent so the file stays compliant. Text stays sharp and selectable; only the exact glyph shapes may differ slightly.
Can I convert a password-protected PDF?
No - PDF/A does not allow encryption, so a protected PDF must be unlocked first. Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove the password, then convert the result to PDF/A.
Do you keep my documents?
No. Your file is converted and then deleted automatically. We do not store, share, or index your documents.

You might also like

Compress PDF

Reduce PDF file size

Protect PDF

Add password protection

PDF to Text

Extract plain text from PDF files

View All Tools