How to convert a PDF to PDF/A

Filing with a court or an archive? They often ask for PDF/A. Here's how to make one without special software.

Steps

Add your PDF
Drag your PDF onto the box, or click Choose a file. It opens right in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Click Convert to PDF/A
Okaysize adds a color profile and archive metadata, removes scripts and attachments, and makes pages self contained.
Read the notes
If any page used fonts that weren't in the file, the result says so: those pages were drawn as sharp images so they stay exact.
Download the result
Click Download to save the PDF/A file. The original file is left exactly as it was.

Password protected PDFs need Unlock PDF first, because PDF/A doesn't allow encryption.
If a portal asks for a specific PDF/A level, check its instructions: most accept PDF/A-2b.

What's the difference between PDF and PDF/A?

A PDF/A file contains everything it needs to display, so it looks the same on any computer, now or decades from now.

Can I still edit a PDF/A?

Yes, but editing usually turns it back into a regular PDF. Convert again after editing.

Ready? PDF to PDF/A is free.

Archive-ready PDF/A. Works in your browser, no sign up.