PDF to PDF/A
Prepare documents for long-term archiving with PDF/A metadata.
PDF/A is the ISO standard for documents that must stay readable for decades. ModifyPDF adds the metadata, identifiers and color profile the standard requires.
How to convert PDF to PDF/A
- Choose your PDF.
- Pick the conformance level (PDF/A-2b is recommended).
- Click “Convert to PDF/A” and download.
Frequently asked questions
Which PDF/A level should I use?
PDF/A-2b suits most archives. Use 1b for maximum compatibility with older systems, or 3b if you need embedded attachments.
Is the output guaranteed to validate?
Full compliance also depends on the source file, for example all fonts must be embedded.
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is a version of PDF defined by an ISO standard for long-term archiving. It is designed so a document can still be opened and look the same decades from now.
Who requires PDF/A?
Courts, government agencies, universities (for theses and dissertations) and companies with records-retention rules often ask for it.
What is the difference between the “b” and “u” levels?
The “b” levels guarantee that the document will look the same in the future. The “u” levels add a requirement that the text can be searched and copied as Unicode.
How do I check that my file is valid PDF/A?
Run it through a validator such as veraPDF, an open-source project, which reports exactly which part of a file doesn’t meet the standard. If a portal rejected your file, check which level it asks for and convert to that level.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. ModifyPDF processes files with JavaScript inside your browser. Your documents never leave your device, and nothing is stored after you close the page.
PDF/A levels
Choose PDF/A-1b, 2b, 2u, 3b or 3u. The “b” levels guarantee the document will look the same in the future; the “u” levels also require text to be searchable and copyable as Unicode. PDF/A-2b is the most widely accepted choice for archives and court or government filing.
What conversion does
PDF/A is a version of PDF designed for long-term archiving. The converter adds the XMP metadata, sRGB output intent and identifiers the standard requires. Full compliance also depends on the source file; for example, every font must be embedded.
Who asks for PDF/A
Courts, government agencies, universities (for theses and dissertations) and companies with records-retention rules often require PDF/A, because it is an ISO standard designed so documents can still be opened and displayed the same way decades from now.
Checking compliance
If a submission portal rejects your file, check its exact requirement (for example PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b) and convert to that level. Validators such as veraPDF, an open-source project, can report exactly which part of a file doesn’t meet the standard.