Convert PDF to PDF/A Beta
Convert PDF to PDF/A-2b for long-term archiving, with an embedded sRGB colour profile and XMP metadata. Free and private.
- Upload
- Options
- Download
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ No sign-up
- ✓ No limits
- 🔒 Files never leave your device
How to: PDF to PDF/A
- Select your PDF.
- Choose image-based (most compatible) or keep text.
- Click Start and download.
PDF/A is the ISO standard for long-term archiving: the file must contain everything needed to display it in the future, such as fonts and colour profiles. Courts, public archives, universities and many companies require PDF/A for submissions and records.
Common uses
- Submit documents to court e-filing or public archive systems that require PDF/A.
- Archive invoices and contracts for long retention periods.
- Deposit a thesis in a university repository.
Tips for best results
- Image-based mode gives the most reliable compliance.
- Keep-text mode preserves searchable text but may fail validation if fonts are not embedded.
- Validate critical files with a free tool such as veraPDF.
Why use FreePDF for PDF to PDF/A?
| FreePDF | Typical upload-based sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded to a server | No – processed on your device | Yes |
| Sign-up required | Never | Often for bigger jobs |
| Hourly / daily task limits | None | Common on free plans |
| Watermark on output | Never | Sometimes |
| Works offline after loading | Yes, for most tools | No |
Frequently asked questions
Is the result validated?
Image-based mode is designed to meet PDF/A-2b. Keep-text mode is best effort: fonts that are not embedded can fail validation. Check with a validator such as veraPDF if compliance is critical.
Is the output guaranteed to be PDF/A compliant?
Image-based mode is designed to meet PDF/A-2b. Keep-text mode is best effort; check with a validator such as veraPDF if compliance is critical.
Is PDF to PDF/A really free?
Yes. Every tool on FreePDF is 100% free with no file limits, no sign-up and no watermarks. The site is supported by unobtrusive ads.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FreePDF processes your files directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your documents never leave your device, so they stay completely private.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. FreePDF works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.