Convert PDF to PDF/A Online
Convert your PDF into ISO-compliant PDF/A documents in seconds. Secure, fast, and free.
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Supports large files up to 150MB • ISO 19005 Compliant Output
What is PDF/A and Why Does It Matter?
Standard PDF files are created for immediate display and printing. However, they often rely on external fonts, system colors, or dynamic code that breaks over time as software evolves.
PDF/A is the specialized ISO standard for long-term digital preservation. It mandates 100% font embedding, device-independent sRGB color spaces, and strict self-containment so your records remain readable in 20, 50, or 100 years.
Built For Long-Term Preservation
Why PDFAfy is the Best PDF → PDF/A Converter
Designed to meet the exact standards required by courts, governments, and enterprise archives.
ISO 19005 Compliance
Generates standardized PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, and PDF/A-3b files compliant with international digital preservation standards.
100% Font Embedding
Embeds complete font glyph definitions and Unicode mapping tables (ToUnicode) so text never distorts or reflows.
Device-Independent Colors
Appends sRGB IEC61966-2.1 OutputIntent dictionaries to ensure colors remain consistent on any future display.
Instant Compliance Verification
Performs automated syntax check and XMP metadata packet inspection immediately after conversion is completed.
Client-Side Privacy
Your files are processed directly inside your browser session. No document data is ever saved to disk or cloud servers.
Large File Support
Optimized memory handling easily converts large PDF documents up to 150MB without browser slowdown.
Your Files Stay Private. Guaranteed.
PDFAfy is engineered from the ground up for strict data privacy. We believe confidential legal documents, medical files, and financial records should never be saved on third-party servers.
Client-Side Execution
Document bytes are parsed and converted locally in your browser memory space using WebAssembly & JS standards.
Zero Server Storage
We do not maintain permanent databases or cloud buckets storing user uploaded documents. Ever.
Automatic Session Clearance
As soon as you close the tab or convert another file, temporary browser memory buffers are cleared instantly.
End-to-End HTTPS Encryption
All web traffic and asset deliveries are protected with TLS 1.3 encryption and Strict Content Security Policies.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about PDF/A standards and conversion.
What is a PDF/A file? ↓
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of the Portable Document Format (PDF) specifically designed for long-term digital archiving. It embeds all fonts, color profiles, and metadata into the file while prohibiting dynamic content like JavaScript, encryption, or external link dependencies.
Which PDF/A standard should I choose (PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, or PDF/A-3b)? ↓
For standard business documents, PDF/A-2b is recommended as it supports transparency and layers while guaranteeing visual consistency. Use PDF/A-1b if complying with legacy mandates, or PDF/A-3b if you need to embed XML attachments for electronic invoicing (e.g. ZUGFeRD / Factur-X).
Are my uploaded PDF files secure and private? ↓
Yes. PDFAfy uses a privacy-first, client-side browser architecture. Your PDF files are processed directly inside your local web browser session and are never uploaded or saved to external cloud servers.
Is PDFAfy free to use? ↓
Yes! PDFAfy is 100% free with no hidden subscriptions, paywalls, or daily upload limits.
Can I convert large PDF files? ↓
Absolutely. PDFAfy supports large PDF files up to 150MB with high-performance memory stream processing.
How do I know if my converted file is truly PDF/A compliant? ↓
PDFAfy automatically injects ISO-compliant XMP metadata (pdfaid:part and pdfaid:conformance) and sRGB OutputIntent dictionaries into the document catalog. You can verify compliance in Adobe Acrobat Pro or any ISO 19005 validator.