How to Convert PDF to PDF/A for Archiving
⏱ Takes less than 1 minute
Need a PDF that will still open correctly in 20 years? PDFredo's free online PDF/A converter produces PDF/A-1b, 2b, or 3b, the ISO 19005 archival standard used by libraries and governments, no account, no watermarks, and your file is deleted from our EU servers after 30 minutes.
Upload your PDF
Drag your file or click "Select File". Files up to 100 MB are supported.
Pick the PDF/A level
Choose PDF/A-1b (maximum compatibility), PDF/A-2b (newer features), or PDF/A-3b (allows file attachments). PDFredo embeds fonts and removes forbidden elements.
Download the archival PDF
Click "Convert". PDFredo outputs a validated PDF/A file on secure EU servers and offers it for download.
Pro Tips
- Use PDF/A-1b for the broadest long-term compatibility.
- PDF/A-3b keeps file attachments. Great when archiving invoices with XML data.
- Run Inspector after conversion to confirm all fonts are embedded and metadata is clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF/A?
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PDF/A is an ISO-standardized (19005) subset of PDF designed for reliable long-term archiving. It embeds fonts and forbids features that break over time (JavaScript, encryption).
Which PDF/A level should I pick?
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PDF/A-1b for widest compatibility. 2b adds transparency and JPEG2000. 3b allows attachments (e.g., XML invoices).
Will my PDF look different?
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Visually identical. Under the hood, fonts are embedded and non-compliant elements are removed or converted.
Are my files private?
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Files are processed on EU servers (Germany) and deleted automatically after 30 minutes.
Is the converter free?
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Yes. No registration, no subscription, no watermarks.
Can I convert a PDF/A back to regular PDF?
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Yes. Use our Edit tool to save it as a standard PDF. Archival benefits are lost in that case.
Does it work on mobile?
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Yes. Any modern browser on iOS or Android.