Is the result certified?

It is a careful best effort. Fonts that are not embedded in the original cannot be added in the browser, so use strict mode for those files and confirm with a certified validator when the law requires it.

Are my files uploaded?

No. This tool runs entirely in your browser tab. Files are read from your disk into memory and the result is generated locally.

Is it free? Are there limits or watermarks?

Free and open source (MIT). There are no file-size caps, daily quotas, accounts or watermarks.

Does it work offline?

Yes, once the page (and any engine it needs) has loaded, it keeps working without a connection thanks to the service worker cache.

Home / PDF Tools / PDF to PDF/A

PDF to PDF/A

Convert to archival PDF/A-1b, 2b or 3b: color profile, XMP metadata, no scripts, with a strict image mode.

Free, no uploads, no sign-up. Runs 100% in your browser.

How PDF to PDF/A works

pdf-lib removes scripts and forbidden actions, adds an sRGB output intent with a built-in ICC profile, writes PDF/A XMP metadata that mirrors the document info, adds a file ID and makes annotations printable. Strict mode first renders pages as images with PDF.js so missing fonts and transparency are no longer an issue.

Input: PDF. Output: PDF.

How to use PDF to PDF/A

Drop your PDF onto the PDF to PDF/A area, or click to choose it.
Wait a moment while page thumbnails render locally.
Choose the pages and options you need. Previews update as you go.
Press the main action button and download the finished PDF.

Tips

Encrypted PDFs must be unlocked first with Unlock PDF.
Large scanned PDFs are mostly images. Compress PDF shrinks them the most.
Your original file is never modified; you always download a new copy.

PDF to PDF/A FAQ

Is the result certified?: It is a careful best effort. Fonts that are not embedded in the original cannot be added in the browser, so use strict mode for those files and confirm with a certified validator when the law requires it.
Are my files uploaded?: No. This tool runs entirely in your browser tab. Files are read from your disk into memory and the result is generated locally.
Is it free? Are there limits or watermarks?: Free and open source (MIT). There are no file-size caps, daily quotas, accounts or watermarks.
Does it work offline?: Yes, once the page (and any engine it needs) has loaded, it keeps working without a connection thanks to the service worker cache.

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