Leverage the PDF Workflow Assistant to convert PDFs to PDF/A for reliable archiving and durable preservation. Select the PDF/A conformance level that aligns with your workflow needs.
Select PDF files
or drop PDF here
With PDFWa, the PDF Workflow Assistant enables seamless conversion of standard PDFs to PDF/A for long-term preservation. Select the ISO-compliant PDF/A level that best fits your archival needs.
ISO - standardized PDF/A
Convert PDFs to PDF/A free
TLS encryption for secure document processing
PDF Workflow Assistant - Trusted PDF/A Conversion for Long-Term Archiving
PDF/A is a specialized, ISO - certified version of the PDF format created for digital preservation. Unlike regular PDFs, it removes features unsuitable for archiving - such as encryption or non - embedded fonts - ensuring your files stay readable decades into the future. The PDF Workflow Assistant, PDFWa, provides a simple and reliable way to achieve this.
Secure, Free PDF/A Conversion
With the PDF Workflow Assistant, you don't need costly software. Our conversion pipeline is TLS-encrypted and your uploads are securely purged within one hour, preserving data privacy and compliance.
Universally Compatible: Seamless PDF Workflows Across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Mobile
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, Linux, or a mobile device, PDFWa functions as your PDF Workflow Assistant in any browser. Convert PDFs to archival PDF/A instantly-no installation needed.
Preserve Your Files with PDFWa
Leverage your PDF Workflow Assistant to generate durable PDF/A files aligned with international archival standards. Select from ISO PDF/A levels to ensure long-term document resilience.
PDF/A: The ISO Standard for Reliable Long-Term Archiving
Secure long-term accessibility by converting your files to PDF/A, the ISO-standard archival format. PDFWa supports major conformance levels including PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, and PDF/A-3b, enabling you to select the version aligned with your preservation needs.
Convert to PDF/A Anytime with PDFWa
All processing occurs in the cloud via the PDF Workflow Assistant, so your device uses no extra CPU. After generating your PDF/A, you can also compress or password-protect it for enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The online PDF to PDF/A conversion is free to use without registration or software installation, designed to support a smooth, productivity-focused workflow.
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format optimized for durable long-term archiving. It guarantees embedded fonts, colors, and content to preserve accurate rendering for future access within your workflows.
Yes. All transfers occur over HTTPS, and we automatically purge uploaded PDFs and converted PDFs/A after a short retention period to maintain privacy and security while supporting efficient workflows.
How the PDF Workflow Assistant Converts PDF to PDF/A - Free
To convert a PDF to PDF/A for free, use the online PDF Workflow Assistant PDFWa. Follow this step-by-step guide to streamline the process:
Select or drag-and-drop to upload your PDFs into the PDF Workflow Assistant conversion tool.
In the PDF Workflow Assistant's conversion settings, select the PDF/A variant that aligns with your archival and preservation requirements. Typical 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.
Initiate the conversion by selecting Convert to PDF/A within the PDF Workflow Assistant. The process completes quickly, though larger files or higher demand may introduce brief delays.
Your PDF Workflow Assistant will deliver the prepared PDF/A output shortly. You may download the file or share a secure link to streamline collaboration.
Please unlock file
No file selected.
Add a file to activate options and unlock the PDF Workflow Assistant features
PDF to PDF/A
PDF/A, the ISO-standardized PDF form crafted for long-term archiving and safeguarding of electronic documents, is supported by the PDF Workflow Assistant.
Select the PDF/A conformance level that best fits your document and your streamlined workflow:
Built on PDF 1.4, Level B conformance delivers essential visual fidelity while meeting core requirements-designed for efficient, dependable processing.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance with additional features to enhance efficiency and capability in your workflow.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Digital signature capabilities in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling secure approvals within a governed, step-by-step workflow.
Option to embed PDF/A files to consolidate document bundles into a single, archivable file, streamlining archival workflows.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance with new features to further enhance efficiency and practical usefulness.
Text has unicode mapping
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Digital signature capabilities in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling secure approvals within a governed, step-by-step workflow.
Option to embed PDF/A files to consolidate document bundles into a single, archivable file, streamlining archival workflows.
Built on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). The PDF Workflow Assistant enables Level A (accessible) conformance with streamlined accessibility features that boost productivity and clarity.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Digital signature capabilities in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling secure approvals within a governed, step-by-step workflow.
Option to embed PDF/A files to consolidate document bundles into a single, archivable file, streamlining archival workflows.
Built on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance, enhanced with features to optimize workflows and improve practical productivity.
Enables embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and additional file formats into PDF/A-conforming documents.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Digital signature capabilities in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling secure approvals within a governed, step-by-step workflow.
Option to embed PDF/A files to consolidate document bundles into a single, archivable file, streamlining archival workflows.
Built on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance, with productivity-focused features added to streamline workflows.
Text has unicode mapping
Enables embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and additional file formats into PDF/A-conforming documents.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Digital signature capabilities in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling secure approvals within a governed, step-by-step workflow.
Option to embed PDF/A files to consolidate document bundles into a single, archivable file, streamlining archival workflows.
Built on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level A (accessible) conformance with enhanced features to support clear, step-by-step accessibility workflows.
Enables embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and additional file formats into PDF/A-conforming documents.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Digital signature capabilities in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling secure approvals within a governed, step-by-step workflow.
Option to embed PDF/A files to consolidate document bundles into a single, archivable file, streamlining archival workflows.
PDF/A-4, grounded in PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2), with conformance requirements plus productivity-oriented features to advance efficiency.
Better supports archiving of fillable forms
Simplifies the handling of digital signatures
Advanced XMP metadata capabilities to support structured, scalable metadata for efficient document management and archival workflows.
Supports embedding of PDF/A files and supplementary materials to consolidate resources within streamlined workflows.
Guarantees consistent color reproduction across devices to preserve visual fidelity in day-to-day workflows.
Ensures PDF/A-4 documents are readable by PDF 2.0-compliant viewers, preserving cross-version compatibility.
Interoperability across different systems and platforms.
PDF/A - 4e, based on PDF 2.0 PDF/A - 4 (ISO 32000 - 2) conformance, delivering an enhanced feature set to empower a smarter, more efficient archival workflow:
Supports Rich Media, 3D Annotations, and embedded files to enrich documents, enabling a richer, more actionable output within a streamlined PDF Workflow Assistant-enabled workflow.
PDF/A - 4f, grounded in PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000 - 2) conformance, with expanded features to enhance archival flexibility:
Supports embedding of files in any format, enabling a single-file workflow that consolidates diverse assets for long-term preservation.
Uploading file(s)
%
UPLOADED
Please wait a moment!
Oh no! We couldn't process your files.
Damaged/Corrupted File
We can't process damaged or corrupted files. Check if your file is damaged by opening it with your PDF software. If you can't open it, it's probably damaged. Restore the file to health, then try again.
Retry Repair PDF
PDF has been converted to PDF/A
Download PDF/A
Not satisfied? Click here to adjust conversion options and select files.
This file requires password
Ignore these files
wrong password
Some file(s) requires password
Damaged/Corrupted File
We cannot process corrupted or damaged files. To verify integrity, open the file with a PDF reader; if it fails to open, restore or obtain a clean copy before retrying conversion.
Copy & Send download link
Copy
Reading file
Conversion failed. Please try again!
This is message zip error
pdf_to_pdf_a
Operation failed, please try again!
Damaged/Corrupted File
This file appears damaged. For a smooth PDF workflow, please remove it and proceed with a clean file.
This file is locked. To maintain a productive PDF workflow, please unlock it to continue.
Sorry, those file(s) are not allowed: {{ ignoredFiles }}
Apologies - PDFWa supports a single-file task to ensure accuracy in your PDF Workflow Assistant. The first file you selected will be processed. ({{ oneFileName }}) is being processed.
The link has been successfully copied.
Please enter a valid URL, such as: https://abc.com
Conversion failed. Please try again!
The data you entered is invalid. Please check again!
This file is locked; unlock it to enable this feature.