03 / HOW TO CONVERT PDF
How to Convert PDF to PDF/A
Upload a single PDF file up to 50 MB in size and no more than 500 pages. The file is scanned for malware as soon as it arrives, and its type is checked by reading the actual bytes - so renaming a non-PDF to .pdf will not get it through.
Before the conversion starts, you can set two options: conformance (PDF/A-2b or PDF/A-3b) and dpi (120-300, default 200). The dpi setting only comes into play if the first conversion attempt fails validation and the pages have to be re-imaged. Once the job starts, the status shows uploading, then queued, then running with a percentage.
04 / WHY VALIDATION MAT
Why Validation Matters
A file that merely calls itself PDF/A can be rejected by the archive that checks it. This tool avoids that surprise by running every export through the veraPDF validator. The file is handed back only when the validator confirms it complies with the conformance level you chose.
If the first export does not pass validation, the pages are re-imaged and exported again. That version does validate, but its text becomes a picture, so it is no longer selectable or searchable. In that case, the tool returns the warning RASTERIZED_PAGES.
05 / PDF/A-2B VS PDF/A-
PDF/A-2b vs PDF/A-3b
Both conformance levels guarantee that the visual appearance is reproducible - the 'b' stands for basic, which means the file is not tagged for accessibility. The difference that matters here is that PDF/A-3b permits arbitrary files to be embedded alongside the document, which is why invoicing standards ask for it.
Choose PDF/A-3b if you need to attach a file such as an XML invoice. Otherwise, PDF/A-2b is sufficient for long-term archival.
06 / WHAT HAPPENS TO YO
What Happens to Your File
Your uploaded file is sent to a private object storage bucket. If you are not signed in, it is deleted after 1 hour. If you are signed in, it is deleted after 7 days.
PDF/A forbids encryption and JavaScript. If your PDF is password-protected, you must unlock it before conversion. Files that are not what the tool expects are rejected before any conversion work starts.
07 / IF THE RESULT LOOK
If the Result Looks Wrong
The only situation where the result differs from the original is when the first export fails validation. In that case, the page images are used, so text is no longer selectable. You will see the RASTERIZED_PAGES warning on the result page.
Because the produced file is re-opened and parsed before it is offered for download, a job that silently produced something broken fails instead of handing it over. If you encounter an error, check that your input PDF is not encrypted and that it conforms to the size and page limits.
FAQ
Common questions
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is a standardized format for long-term preservation. It ensures that the file's visual appearance can be reproduced exactly, regardless of software or platform, by embedding all fonts and metadata.
Will the text be selectable in the converted PDF?
Usually yes. The first conversion attempt exports the original text as selectable text. However, if that attempt fails validation and the pages must be re-imaged, the text becomes part of the image and is no longer selectable or searchable. You will see a warning in that case.
What is the difference between PDF/A-2b and PDF/A-3b?
Both ensure the visual appearance is reproducible, but PDF/A-3b goes further by allowing arbitrary files to be embedded alongside the document. This makes it suitable for e-invoicing and similar use cases.
Why did I get a RASTERIZED_PAGES warning?
This warning appears only when the first conversion attempt failed validation. The pages were then rendered as images and re-exported to produce a valid PDF/A file. As a result, the text is no longer selectable.
Can I convert a password-protected PDF?
No. PDF/A forbids encryption, so the PDF must be unlocked before you upload it. If your PDF is password-protected, remove the password using a PDF tool and then upload it.
What is the maximum file size and page count?
The file can be up to 50 MB and up to 500 pages. Files exceeding these limits will be rejected.
How long is my file stored?
Uploaded files are stored in private object storage. They are deleted after 1 hour if you are not signed in, or after 7 days if you are signed in.