What does PDF to PDF/A do?
PDF to PDF/A is a free online tool that can attempt an archival PDF rewrite; independent PDF/A validation is required. The PDF result from PDF to PDF/A is a separate copy to inspect before you use it elsewhere. One possible use is archival working copies prepared for validation.
PDF/A format change attempts an archival-style PDF rewrite using Ghostscript's PDF/A-2 mode. It can be a starting point when an archive or organization asks for a file suitable for long-term preservation.
The result should be validated with an independent PDF/A validator against the exact profile required by the reader. A made file and a.pdf extension are not proof that every conformance requirement has been met.
PDF/A is a PDF archive format. This command requests PDF/A-2 but does not run a compliance checker.
A successful export is therefore not proof of a valid archive file. Check the result with the receiving archive's validator.
Keep the report from that check with the submitted document. For legacy pdfs assessed with an independent conformance tool, choose a copy whose source content suits that purpose. Keep a local source for another trial.
Attempt a PDF archival conversion online: steps
Before using PDF to PDF/A, decide what the new copy must contain and where it will be used. Find the reader's required PDF/A profile and keep the original for comparison and validation. Review the upload area and all values required by the current PDF to PDF/A form.
Choose the source
Run the archive's own check before submitting a report. For PDF to PDF/A, choose one source from your device. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
The PDF to PDF/A form has no extra task settings. Check the source in the file area.
Run the file task
Use Process PDF to PDF/A after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Run an independent archival conformance check and check fonts, color and page content after format change. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Archive copy: uses for PDF to PDF/A
PDF to PDF/A can help with file exports tested against preservation requirements. It can also be used for reports rewritten before an archive submission check. The PDF result from PDF to PDF/A must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- Archival working copies prepared for validation.
- File exports tested against preservation requirements.
- Reports rewritten before an archive submission check.
- Legacy PDFs assessed with an independent conformance tool.
Formats and limits for PDF to PDF/A
The PDF to PDF/A form accepts PDF sources. Each PDF to PDF/A upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the PDF to PDF/A page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
This setup does not promise PDF/A compliance for every source. Attachments, fonts, color profiles and interactive content can affect acceptance.
How this tool works
PDF to PDF/A uses Ghostscript to handle the source on the server. The PDF to PDF/A request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by PDF to PDF/A before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For PDF to PDF/A, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
PDF to PDF/A questions and answers
If PDF to PDF/A gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from PDF to PDF/A as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare PDF to PDF/A with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using PDF to PDF/A?
Confirm that fonts and color appear right in the archive copy. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try Repair PDF?
Repair PDF offers another task beside PDF to PDF/A: attempt to rebuild a broken PDF structure. Repair PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from PDF to PDF/A matches a listed input type for Repair PDF.
Why try Flatten PDF?
Flatten PDF offers another task beside PDF to PDF/A: rewrite a PDF with Ghostscript; inspect forms and annotations afterward. Flatten PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from PDF to PDF/A matches a listed input type for Flatten PDF.
Why try Remove PDF Metadata?
Remove PDF Metadata offers another task beside PDF to PDF/A: remove PDF metadata tags with ExifTool. Remove PDF Metadata returns PDF. The stated PDF output from PDF to PDF/A matches a listed input type for Remove PDF Metadata.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed PDF to PDF/A result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with PDF to PDF/A?
Contact support with the PDF to PDF/A page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.