PDF/A Validator
Check PDF/A-1b, 2b and 3b compliance: fonts, XMP metadata, ICC output intent, encryption, JavaScript, transparency and more. Clear pass/fail report. Free and private.
- Upload
- Options
- Download
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ No sign-up
- ✓ No limits
- 🔒 Files never leave your device
How to: Validate PDF/A
- Select one or more PDFs.
- Choose the PDF/A level or use the one the file claims.
- Read the pass/fail checklist or download the report.
Courts, government portals and archives often demand PDF/A, and rejected uploads usually come down to a handful of problems: missing fonts, no PDF/A identification in the metadata, no colour profile, encryption or JavaScript. FreePDF checks these in your browser and explains each issue in plain English so you know exactly what to fix.
Common uses
- Check a court e-filing or tax document before submitting.
- Verify scanned archives meet PDF/A-2b requirements.
- Audit a batch of exported reports for long-term storage.
- Confirm a converter really produced PDF/A.
Tips for best results
- 'Claimed level' reads the level the file declares in its metadata.
- Most portals accept PDF/A-2b; check their exact requirement.
- Font problems are fixed by re-exporting with 'embed all fonts'.
Why use FreePDF for Validate 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 this an official certification?
It is a fast preflight of the rules that cause most rejections (fonts, metadata, colour profile, encryption, scripts, transparency, attachments). For formal certification use a full validator such as veraPDF.
My file fails – what now?
Convert it with our PDF to PDF/A tool, then validate again.
Which levels are checked?
PDF/A-1b, 2b and 3b (visual preservation). Level-specific rules like 'no transparency' for A-1 are applied automatically.
Are my documents uploaded?
No, validation runs entirely on your device.
Is Validate 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.