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PDF to PDF/A
Guided steps to transform your PDFs into PDF/A for reliable archiving and permanent preservation. Select the PDF/A conformance level that best fits your needs.
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PDF Assistance: With PDFay, follow guided steps to convert standard PDFs to PDF/A for long-term preservation. Contextual tips help you select the ISO-compliant PDF/A level that best matches your archival needs.
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ISO - standardized PDF/A
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Convert PDFs to PDF/A free
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TLS encryption for secure document processing
Guided PDF/A Conversion for Long-Term Archiving
PDF Assistance: PDF/A is a specialized, ISO-certified version of the PDF format designed for digital preservation. Unlike standard PDFs, it removes features that hinder archiving—such as encryption or non-embedded fonts—so your files remain readable for decades. With PDFay, follow guided steps to achieve this reliably.
Secure, Free PDF/A Conversion
PDF Assistance helps you stay secure without costly software. Our guided conversion process uses TLS encryption, and your uploaded files are permanently deleted within one hour, keeping your data safe and private.
PDF Assistance Works Across Windows, Mac, Linux & Mobile
With PDF Assistance, PDFay works smoothly in any browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices. Follow the guided steps to convert PDFs to the archival PDF/A format instantly - no installation required.
Preserve Your Files with PDFay
With PDF Assistance, use PDFay to create durable PDF/A files that meet international archival standards. Our guided options let you choose from multiple ISO PDF/A levels to keep your documents safe for the long term.
PDF/A - The ISO Standard Archival Format
PDF Assistance helps ensure long-lasting accessibility by converting your files to PDF/A, the ISO standard archival format. PDFay supports major conformance levels including PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, and PDF/A-3b, guiding you to choose the version that best fits your preservation needs.
Convert to PDF/A Anytime with PDFay
PDF Assistance performs all conversions in the cloud, so your device uses no extra processing power. After you generate your PDF/A file, follow guided steps to compress and password-protect it for enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This PDF to PDF/A converter is free to use online. You can convert PDF files to the PDF/A standard without registration or software installation, following a guided, step-by-step flow.
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format designed for long-term document archiving. It ensures fonts, colors, and content are embedded for reliable future access, and our guided PDF Assistance flow helps you enable and verify these settings during conversion.
Yes. In the guided PDF Assistance workflow, all files are processed over HTTPS, and uploaded PDFs and converted PDF/A files are automatically deleted from our servers after a short period to protect privacy and security.
How PDF Assistance Helps You Convert a PDF to PDF/A for Free
With PDF Assistance, you can convert a PDF to PDF/A for free using the online tool PDFay. Follow this guided, step-by-step process to complete the conversion:
- Step 1: Click to select or drag and drop your PDF files into the PDF to PDF/A conversion tool to begin the guided process.
- In the conversion settings, select the PDF/A format you need. For archival and document preservation, common options include PDF/A - 1b, PDF/A - 1a, PDF/A - 2b, PDF/A - 2u, PDF/A - 2a, PDF/A - 3b, PDF/A - 3u, or PDF/A - 3a. If you’re unsure, start with PDF/A - 1b for broad compatibility and adjust according to your archival or compliance needs.
- Step 3: Click Convert to PDF/A to start the conversion. The process may take a moment, especially for large files or when the service is busy. If progress seems slow, check for a status indicator or try again with a smaller file.
- Step 4: Your PDF/A file will be ready shortly. From here, you can download the converted file or copy and share the secure link with colleagues as part of your guided workflow.
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Ignore these files
wrong password
Some file(s) requires password
Damaged/Corrupted File
We can’t process corrupted or damaged files. To verify, open the file in any PDF reader. If it won’t open, the file may be damaged. Restore a clean copy and retry the PDF workflow using the guided steps.
