PDF to PDF/A Converter Online Free — ISO 19005 Archival Compliance

PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of PDF (ISO 19005) designed for long-term digital preservation. It ensures documents remain viewable indefinitely without requiring specific software versions, by embedding all fonts, color profiles, and removing external dependencies.

PDF/A-2b is recommended for most uses — it supports JPEG2000 compression, transparency, and layers. PDF/A-1b is stricter and more widely accepted by government agencies and courts. PDF/A-3b allows embedded files, making it ideal for e-invoicing (ZUGFeRD/Factur-X).

The visual appearance is preserved. Fonts are embedded, and non-compliant features (JavaScript, audio, video, encryption) are removed. Transparency is preserved in PDF/A-2b and 3b but flattened in PDF/A-1b.

PDF/A-1b (ISO 19005-1) is the strictest — no transparency, no JPEG2000. PDF/A-2b (ISO 19005-2) adds modern features like transparency, layers, and JPEG2000. PDF/A-3b (ISO 19005-3) additionally allows embedding arbitrary files like XML or spreadsheets.

Use sRGB (default) for documents viewed on screens. Choose CMYK for documents going to professional print. Grayscale reduces file size for text-only documents.

Usually slightly, because fonts and ICC color profiles are embedded. However, with font subsetting enabled (default), only the characters used in the document are embedded, minimizing the increase.

You must first unlock the PDF using our Unlock PDF tool, then convert it to PDF/A. PDF/A does not allow encryption — it is an archival format designed for open, long-term access.

Many courts and government agencies require or prefer PDF/A format for electronic filings. PDF/A-1b is the most commonly accepted level for legal submissions. Check your specific jurisdiction's requirements.

Yes. Enter a page range like 1-5, 8, 12 to convert only those pages instead of the entire document.

Linearized PDFs load page-by-page in web browsers instead of requiring the entire file to download first. Enable this for PDFs that will be viewed online.

Yes, by default. PDF/A prohibits JavaScript, form actions, and multimedia. These are automatically removed to ensure ISO 19005 compliance.

No. This tool runs entirely on our servers — no software installation needed. Upload your PDF, choose your PDF/A level, and download the result.

An ICC profile defines how colors are reproduced across devices. PDF/A requires an embedded ICC profile (Output Intent) to ensure consistent color rendering regardless of the viewer or printer used.

Yes. PDF to PDF/A on WhiskFile is completely free with no account required. Free users get 7 tasks per day with files up to 50 MB. There are no watermarks on any plan. Pro plans ($4.99/month) unlock unlimited tasks, 500 MB files, batch processing, and API access.

Yes. PDF to PDF/A runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly. Your files are never uploaded to any server — they stay on your device throughout the entire process. No data is transmitted, stored, or accessible to WhiskFile or any third party.

Yes. PDF to PDF/A works on any device with a modern browser — iPhone, Android, iPad, tablets, Chromebooks, and desktop computers. No app download required. The interface adapts to your screen size automatically.

PDF to PDF/A accepts PDF files as input and produces PDF output. The maximum file size is 50 MB on the free plan (500 MB for Pro users). There are no page count limits.