What is PDF/A and how is it different from a normal PDF?

PDF/A is an ISO standard version of PDF meant for long-term storage. It embeds fonts and colour information and rules out things like passwords and external content, so the file doesn't depend on anything outside itself.

Why convert PDF to PDF/A for a court or tender submission?

Many e-filing and procurement systems only accept PDF/A because they have to be able to open the file years later. Converting before you upload avoids a rejected submission.

Can I convert a password-protected PDF to PDF/A?

Not while the password is on. PDF/A files can't be password protected, so remove the password first and then convert.

Will my document look different after conversion?

It should look the same on screen. What changes is inside the file, for example fonts being embedded. Scroll through the result before you submit it.

Can I edit a PDF/A file afterwards?

You can, but editing may take it out of compliance. Make changes to the original PDF, then convert again.

How can I tell the file is PDF/A?

The download has -pdfa in its name. Adobe Acrobat and several other readers also show a notice that the document claims PDF/A compliance when you open it.

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PDF to PDF/A converts a regular PDF into PDF/A, the archiving version of the format that courts, government bodies, universities and records systems often ask for. A PDF/A file carries what it needs to display the same way in years to come, such as its fonts, and leaves out features that could stop it opening later.

How to convert PDF to PDF/A

Drop your PDF on the page, or pick it from your device, Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive (up to 260 MB). PDF/A is at the top of the Convert to list with the note For long-term archiving. Press it and download the new file, which gets -pdfa added to its name so you can tell it apart from the original. Several PDFs can be added together, with one PDF/A file for each.

Who asks for PDF to PDF/A

Electronic court filing systems in several countries, public tender portals and national archives commonly accept or require PDF/A. Universities often want a thesis in PDF/A for their repository. Companies that keep invoices, contracts and HR files for seven years or more use it so the documents still open when today's software is long gone. If a portal rejects your upload with a message about PDF/A or archival format, this is the fix.

Before you convert

PDF/A files can't carry a password. If the file is protected, the page flags it, and you need to remove the password before converting. Content that relies on external links to other files, embedded video or scripts won't carry over, since the standard excludes it. Keep your original PDF as well; the PDF/A copy is the one to submit or archive.

Frequently asked questions

What is PDF/A and how is it different from a normal PDF?: PDF/A is an ISO standard version of PDF meant for long-term storage. It embeds fonts and colour information and rules out things like passwords and external content, so the file doesn't depend on anything outside itself.
Why convert PDF to PDF/A for a court or tender submission?: Many e-filing and procurement systems only accept PDF/A because they have to be able to open the file years later. Converting before you upload avoids a rejected submission.
Can I convert a password-protected PDF to PDF/A?: Not while the password is on. PDF/A files can't be password protected, so remove the password first and then convert.
Will my document look different after conversion?: It should look the same on screen. What changes is inside the file, for example fonts being embedded. Scroll through the result before you submit it.
Can I edit a PDF/A file afterwards?: You can, but editing may take it out of compliance. Make changes to the original PDF, then convert again.
How can I tell the file is PDF/A?: The download has -pdfa in its name. Adobe Acrobat and several other readers also show a notice that the document claims PDF/A compliance when you open it.