PDF to PDF/A

Easily transform your PDFs into PDF/A format for secure long-term archiving.

Effortlessly Transform PDF Files to PDF/A.

  1. Easily choose or drag your PDF file here to convert it to PDF/A format.
  2. Upload your PDF, and we’ll quickly scan your document for you.
  3. Allow the conversion process to complete.
  4. Your PDF/A conversion will be available for instant download.

The Benefits of PDF/A

PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format of PDF designed for long-term preservation, guaranteeing that your documents will be reproduced consistently and accurately, no matter the software used.

Convert PDF to PDF/A in just 2 minutes

We value your time, which is why we’ve streamlined our PDF to PDF/A conversion process into just four easy steps. Experience efficiency without the hassle.

Your privacy matters!

Rest assured that your uploaded documents are safeguarded with advanced 256-bit encryption technology, ensuring your personal privacy remains intact and secure at all times.

Transform your files effortlessly in the cloud.

Experience the convenience of instant file saving with our cloud system. Access your documents effortlessly while freeing up valuable storage space on your devices. Enjoy all our features without worrying about device capacity, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

Compatible with all devices and platforms

Experience seamless compatibility with our software across all devices and browsers, including Safari on mobile, Firefox on laptops, and Chrome on iPads. Join us today and enjoy effortless document conversion tailored to your needs.

Access your devices online anytime

Experience the convenience of our online PDF converter, accessible anytime with an internet connection. Effortlessly upload, convert, download, share, and save your files quickly and efficiently. It's a user-friendly tool designed for your busy lifestyle.


Effortlessly Transform PDF Files to PDF/A Format

Preserve your PDF documents for the long haul with our Convert PDF to PDF/A tool. This conversion ensures your files are self-contained, ISO-compliant, and future-proof, maintaining their accessibility and integrity for years to come.


Convert PDF to PDF/A

Have you ever created a vital document—like a will, an extensive research report, or important historical records—and worried about its future accessibility? While a standard PDF may work for everyday tasks, it can fall short when it comes to long-term preservation. Fonts might not be embedded, or external links could break over time. Our Convert PDF to PDF/A tool is designed to meet this challenge, transforming your PDFs into a robust, archival-friendly format that ensures their longevity and integrity for years to come.

Why Archival Matters

When it comes to documents that need to endure, a regular PDF simply won’t cut it. PDF/A (Portable Document Format for Archiving) is an ISO-standardized version of PDF specifically crafted for the long-term preservation of electronic documents. Here’s why converting to PDF/A is crucial for certain files:

  • Long-Term Accessibility: Ensures your documents remain readable and visually consistent for decades, free from degradation or dependency issues.
  • Self-Contained Files: PDF/A embeds all essential elements—fonts, color profiles, and metadata—within the file, eliminating reliance on external resources.
  • Legal Compliance: Many industries and government bodies mandate that documents be stored in PDF/A format for regulatory compliance and legal validity.
  • Future-Proofing: Safeguards against software obsolescence and missing dependencies, ensuring your archives remain functional over time.
  • Integrity Assurance: The format prohibits features that could hinder long-term preservation, such as encryption, executable files, or external content links.

What Happens During Conversion

Transforming a standard PDF into PDF/A involves a series of meticulous validations and modifications to ensure compliance with archiving standards. Our tool expertly handles these adjustments:

  1. Font Embedding: All fonts used in your document are embedded, ensuring consistent text display, even if the fonts aren’t installed on the viewing device.
  2. Color Space Definition: Color information is accurately defined to guarantee uniform rendering across various devices and over time.
  3. Metadata Inclusion: All document information and structure are fully integrated within the file.
  4. Prohibited Features Removal: Any elements not permitted in PDF/A (like encryption, JavaScript, or external links) are either removed or converted to static components.
  5. Validation: The tool rigorously checks the document against the PDF/A standard to ensure complete compliance.

Simple Steps for Archival Preparation

Converting your PDF to PDF/A is a hassle-free process:

  1. Upload Your PDF: Choose the PDF file you want to convert from your device.
  2. Start Conversion: Click the 'Convert' button, and our system will process your document to meet PDF/A standards.
  3. Download Your PDF/A File: Your new, compliant PDF/A document will be ready for download.

Preserving Your Information for Tomorrow

Converting your PDFs to PDF/A is a vital step in digital archiving, ensuring that your valuable information remains perfectly preserved and accessible for generations. It’s about securing the legacy of your documents, guaranteeing their integrity and readability well into the future. Don’t leave your important files to chance—make the smart choice for preservation today!


Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is PDF/A?

PDF/A is an ISO-standard version of the Portable Document Format (PDF) tailored for the long-term archiving and preservation of digital documents. It guarantees that your files remain self-contained and easily accessible for years to come.

What are the benefits of converting my PDF to PDF/A?

Converting to PDF/A ensures your documents remain accessible and visually consistent for decades, regardless of future software or hardware changes. This format is perfect for preserving legal, archival, and historical documents, safeguarding their integrity over time.

What are the main distinctions between PDF and PDF/A?

PDF/A mandates the embedding of all fonts, disallows encryption and executable elements like JavaScript, and specifies color spaces for uniform rendering. While it eliminates features that may compromise long-term preservation, this makes it a more reliable choice for archiving.

How will converting to PDF/A affect my document's appearance?

PDF/A conversion aims to preserve the original look of your document with precision. Essential adjustments, such as embedding fonts and defining colors, are made to guarantee consistent rendering over time, ensuring your layout and design remain unchanged.

Is it possible to convert scanned PDFs into PDF/A format?

Absolutely! You can convert scanned PDFs into PDF/A format. If your scanned PDF consists solely of text images, the PDF/A standards (like PDF/A-2b or PDF/A-3b) support this conversion. To enhance searchability, consider applying OCR to the scanned PDF prior to or during the PDF/A conversion.

How can I ensure my document stays secure during conversion?

Your document security is our top priority. We use secure connections for file uploads, ensuring your data is safe. Plus, files are usually removed from our servers shortly after conversion and download.

Is there any software I need to download or install?

Our Convert PDF to PDF/A tool is a convenient online application. Access it directly through your web browser—no downloads or installations required. Enjoy seamless conversion from anywhere, anytime, on any device.

Will encrypted PDFs be transformed into PDF/A format?

PDF/A does not permit encryption to maintain long-term accessibility. To convert your encrypted PDF into a valid PDF/A file, you must first unlock it by removing the encryption.

What occurs if my PDF includes features that aren't permitted in PDF/A?

Our software intelligently removes or converts disallowed features, such as JavaScript and embedded files, into a static format that meets PDF/A standards. This ensures your document remains compliant while preserving all vital content for seamless accessibility.

What are the various versions of PDF/A?

Absolutely! The PDF/A standard includes various parts and conformance levels, such as PDF/A-1a, PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2a, PDF/A-2b, PDF/A-2u, PDF/A-3a, PDF/A-3b, and PDF/A-3u. Each level defines specific compliance requirements and features, with 'a' indicating accessibility, 'b' for basic compliance, and 'u' for Unicode support.

What is the largest file size I can convert to PDF/A?

Our online tool efficiently converts a variety of PDF file sizes. Although larger or more complex documents may require additional processing time, you can expect quick and seamless conversions for most standard file sizes.


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Transforming your PDF files to PDF/A has never been easier with gogoPDF. Our user-friendly tool ensures quick conversions in under 2 minutes, eliminating the hassle of searching for reliable options. Experience the seamless features of gogoPDF today and simplify your document management process effortlessly.