Refine and finalize your PDFs as PDF/A for reliable archiving and permanent preservation. Select the appropriate PDF/A conformance level to suit your final delivery requirements.
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With PdfZa, you can seamlessly convert standard PDFs to PDF/A for long-term preservation, selecting the ISO-compliant PDF/A level that best supports your finalization and archival needs.
ISO - standardized PDF/A
Convert PDFs to PDF/A free
TLS encryption for secure document processing
Trusted PDF/A Refinement and Finalization for Long - Term Archiving
PDF/A is a specialized, ISO-certified version of PDF designed for digital preservation. Unlike standard PDFs, it excludes features unsuitable for long-term archiving-such as encryption or non-embedded fonts-ensuring readability for decades. PdfZa provides a streamlined, reliable path to achieve this refinement and finalization.
Secure, Free PDF/A Conversion
No need for expensive software. Our TLS-encrypted conversion workflow securely handles your files, which are permanently deleted within one hour, ensuring privacy as you finalize your PDFs.
Operates Across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Mobile
Across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile, PdfZa delivers reliable browser-based performance for PDF refinement and finalization. Convert PDFs to archival PDF/A instantly-no installation required.
Preserve Your Files with PdfZa
Use PdfZa to produce durable, final-ready PDF/A documents aligned with international archival standards. Select among ISO PDF/A levels to ensure long-term reliability and pristine output.
PDF/A - ISO Standard for Archival Quality
Ensure long-term accessibility by converting to PDF/A, the ISO-standard archival format. PdfZa supports key conformance levels including PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, and PDF/A-3b, so you can select the version that fits your finalization and preservation needs.
Convert to PDF/A Anytime with PdfZa
All refinements occur in the cloud, ensuring your device uses no additional processing power. After finalizing your PDF/A, you can compress or password-protect it for enhanced security and delivery readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This online PDF to PDF/A converter is free to use and requires no registration or software installation to convert PDFs to the PDF/A standard, supporting finalization workflows.
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format designed for long-term document archiving; it embeds fonts, colors, and content to ensure reliable, output-ready access for future use.
Yes. All files are processed over secure HTTPS connections, and uploaded PDFs and converted PDF/A outputs are automatically deleted from our servers after a short retention period to ensure privacy and security.
How to Finalize a PDF to PDF/A for Free?
To finalize a PDF as PDF/A for free, use the online tool PdfZa. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a polished, output-ready result:
Click to select or drag and drop to upload your PDF for refinement in the PDF/A finalization workflow.
Select the target PDF/A format in the conversion settings to finalize archival readiness. Common options include PDF/A - 1b, PDF/A - 1a, PDF/A - 2b, PDF/A - 2u, PDF/A - 2a, or PDF/A - 3b, PDF/A - 3u, PDF/A - 3a, chosen to meet your archival and long-term preservation requirements.
Click "Convert to PDF/A" to initiate the finalization process. Processing starts immediately; completion times may vary for larger files or during high demand.
Your PDF/A file will be output-ready shortly. Download the finalized PDF/A file or share its link for delivery.
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PDF to PDF/A
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of PDF, purpose-built for archival refinement and long-term preservation of electronic documents.
Choose the PDF/A conformance level to which you want to convert your document:
Applies PDF 1.4. Level B conformance to preserve essential visual fidelity while meeting required standards:
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance with new features to meet contemporary document needs:
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Provisions for digital signatures compliant with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures (PAdES) standards.
An option to embed PDF/A files, enabling archiving of document sets within a single, output-ready file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance with new features to support modern workflows:
Text has unicode mapping
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Provisions for digital signatures compliant with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures (PAdES) standards.
An option to embed PDF/A files, enabling archiving of document sets within a single, output-ready file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). PDF/A Level A (accessible) conformance requirements, refined for finalization, plus new features:
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Provisions for digital signatures compliant with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures (PAdES) standards.
An option to embed PDF/A files, enabling archiving of document sets within a single, output-ready file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). PDF/A Level B (basic) conformance, finalized for delivery, with additional features:
Supports embedding XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and other file formats into PDF/A-conforming documents
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Provisions for digital signatures compliant with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures (PAdES) standards.
An option to embed PDF/A files, enabling archiving of document sets within a single, output-ready file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). PDF/A Level B (basic) conformance, refined for finalization, with new features:
Text has unicode mapping
Supports embedding XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and other file formats into PDF/A-conforming documents
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Provisions for digital signatures compliant with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures (PAdES) standards.
An option to embed PDF/A files, enabling archiving of document sets within a single, output-ready file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). PDF/A Level A (accessible) conformance, refined for finalization, with new features:
Supports embedding XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and other file formats into PDF/A-conforming documents
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Provisions for digital signatures compliant with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures (PAdES) standards.
An option to embed PDF/A files, enabling archiving of document sets within a single, output-ready file.
PDF/A-4 based on PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2) conformance requirements, refined for finalization, with new features:
Better supports archiving of fillable forms
Simplifies the handling of digital signatures
Enhanced XMP metadata to capture comprehensive document-management and archival information, enabling refined organization and durable delivery.
Supports embedding of additional PDF/A files and supplementary materials, for consolidated delivery.
Ensures precise color reproduction across diverse devices and viewing conditions, supporting consistent final output.
Guarantees readability of PDF/A-4 documents with PDF 2.0–compliant viewers, ensuring reliable final delivery.
Interoperability across different systems and platforms.
PDF/A-4e, based on PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2) conformance, with enhancements for refined finalization and ready-for-delivery output.
Supports Rich Media, 3D Annotations, and embedded files, enabling refined finalization of complex documents.
PDF/A-4f, based on PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2) conformance, with enhancements for refined finalization and delivery.
Allows embedding of files in formats beyond PDF/A-4f, supporting comprehensive finalization workflows.
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