Convert PDFs to archival-grade PDF/A for guaranteed long-term preservation.
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized version of PDF designed specifically for long-term archiving and preservation. Unlike regular PDFs, which may rely on external fonts, linked resources, or JavaScript that could become unavailable over time, PDF/A embeds everything needed to display the document identically in the future — regardless of the software, operating system, or time period. Converting a PDF to PDF/A ensures it can be opened and rendered the same way decades from now. PDFly performs this conversion entirely in your browser.
Upload your PDF and the tool converts it to PDF/A format by embedding all fonts, flattening transparency effects, removing JavaScript and external dependencies, and ensuring all color spaces are properly defined. The resulting file is a valid PDF/A document that passes standard archival validation checks. The conversion preserves all visual content while adding the metadata required for archival compliance.
PDF/A is required by many government agencies, courts, libraries, universities, and regulatory institutions for document submission and long-term archival. If you're submitting documents for legal or regulatory compliance, check whether PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, or another specific level is required by your authority — this tool targets general PDF/A compliance. For everyday PDF creation and sharing, standard PDF format is usually sufficient and produces smaller files. Always keep the original PDF as well, since PDF/A files are typically larger due to embedded fonts.
