PDF Archive converts a standard PDF into PDF/A, the ISO archival format that embeds all fonts and removes external dependencies so the document renders identically decades from now — required by many courts, government agencies, and records-retention policies.
| You want to… | Use this tool |
|---|---|
| PDF/A-1b | PDF 1.4 |
| PDF/A-2b | PDF 1.7 |
| PDF/A-3b | PDF 1.7 |
Not sure which version? PDF/A-2b is accepted by most archives.
Any standard PDF works. Encryption will be removed, since archives must stay readable.
PDF/A-1b for strict older requirements, 2b for most archives, 3b when data files are attached.
Items PDF/A doesn't allow, such as video or JavaScript, are flagged before conversion.
Fonts are embedded and the file is checked against the version you chose.
Court clerks convert filings to PDF/A-2b for long-term archival per state and federal requirements.
Compliance teams convert SEC filings, drug approvals, and tax records to PDF/A for permanent retention.
Legal departments convert executed contracts to PDF/A for 30+ year retention without format drift.
They're increasing conformance levels; -3b additionally allows embedding a source file (like the original spreadsheet) behind a report — pick based on what your recipient (court, agency) requires.
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized PDF variant designed for archival. It removes dependencies (fonts, links, JavaScript) so the file displays identically decades later, when current PDF software no longer exists.
PDF/A-1b is widely supported and minimal. PDF/A-2b adds compression and transparency support (recommended for most archival needs). PDF/A-3 allows embedding source files (e.g., invoice XML alongside PDF rendering).
No. Visual appearance is identical. The conversion embeds fonts and removes external dependencies behind the scenes — the page content displays the same.
Archives must remain accessible — encrypted files become unreadable if passwords are lost. PDF/A removes encryption to guarantee future readability.
JavaScript is removed for PDF/A compliance. Form fields are preserved in PDF/A-2 and PDF/A-3 but become static (non-fillable) in PDF/A-1.
Yes. The PDF to PDF/A converter handles scanned PDFs — but for searchable archives, run OCR first (use our OCR tool) before converting to PDF/A.
Yes — 30 conversions per day for guests, more on free accounts. No watermark on output.
Slightly. Embedded fonts add 50-200 KB. PDF/A-2b compression often offsets this. Net size change is typically within ±10%.
Converts multiple image files into a single organized PDF document.
Transforms your PDF into a fully editable Microsoft Word document.
Converts your Word document into a universally compatible PDF file.
Transform each page of your PDF into stunning high-resolution image files.
