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PDF to PDF/A

Convert PDFs to PDF/A for long-term archiving.

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How to use PDF to PDF/A online for free

Convert PDFs to PDF/A for long-term archiving. PDF to PDF/A runs entirely in your web browser, so your file is processed on your own device and is never uploaded to MyPDFMate.

  1. Click Choose File or drag your .pdf file into the box above.
  2. Set any options the tool shows, such as pages, order or quality.
  3. Click the PDF to PDF/A button.
  4. Click Download to save the result. Nothing is sent to a server.

Why choose MyPDFMate for PDF to PDF/A?

  • Privacy-First Processing: Runs in your browser — your file is never uploaded.
  • No Sign-Up: No account, email or install needed.
  • Fast: Processed instantly on your device.
  • Free: No watermarks, accounts or paywalls.
Frequently Asked Questions

PDF to PDF/A FAQs

Answers to the questions people ask most about using PDF to PDF/A.

What is PDF/A?

PDF/A is the ISO-standard archival version of PDF (ISO 19005). It's self-contained, with color information embedded and no dependence on outside resources, so the document looks the same decades from now.

What's the difference between PDF and PDF/A?

PDF/A is a stricter PDF. It must embed everything needed to display the page and it forbids features like JavaScript and external links to content. Any PDF reader can open it.

How do I convert a PDF to PDF/A?

Open PDF to PDF/A on MyPDFMate, upload the file and click PDF to PDF/A. The tool embeds an sRGB color profile and adds PDF/A-2b identification metadata.

Which PDF/A version does MyPDFMate create?

PDF/A-2b, the basic conformance level of PDF/A-2, widely used for archiving.

Will my file pass a PDF/A validator?

Many files do, but full compliance also depends on your original, such as whether all fonts are embedded. For strict submissions like court filings, check the result with the free veraPDF validator.

When do I need PDF/A?

PDF/A is often required for court e-filing, government and university archives, tenders and any record that must stay readable long term.

How can I check if a file is PDF/A?

Adobe Acrobat shows a notice that the file complies with the PDF/A standard, and veraPDF gives a detailed validation report.

How do I turn off PDF/A mode in Adobe Acrobat?

Acrobat opens PDF/A files read-only. To edit, go to Preferences → Documents and set View documents in PDF/A mode to Never. Note that editing breaks PDF/A conformance.

Can Word save directly as PDF/A?

Yes. In Word, choose Save As → PDF → Options and tick PDF/A compliant.

What's the difference between PDF/A-1b, 2b and 1a?

The number is the version: PDF/A-2 adds support for transparency and layers. “b” (basic) guarantees the visual appearance, while “a” (accessible) also requires tagged structure for screen readers.

Is my file uploaded when I convert to PDF/A?

No. Conversion runs in your browser, and your PDF is processed in your browser.

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