PDF to PDF/A
Convert one PDF to PDF/A for archival use via Stirling-PDF. Success depends on Stirling-PDF capabilities for the uploaded file.
Drag and drop your PDF file here or click to browse
Supported: .pdf files onlyArchiving Tips
Match the profile to your requirement
Level B (1b/2b) is often enough for basic archival conformance; Level A targets stricter accessibility tagging when your process needs it.
Validate after download
Open the result and, if your workflow requires it, run a PDF/A validator before long-term storage.
Remove encryption first
Password-protected PDFs are not unlocked here—decrypt before uploading.
Multiple PDF/A profiles
Choose PDF/A-1a, 1b, 2a, or 2b before converting.
Single PDF output
Download one .pdf archival file after processing completes.
Stirling-PDF conversion
Conversion runs on Toolomix servers through Stirling-PDF’s PDF/A path.
What this tool does
PDF to PDF/A converts a standard PDF toward an archival PDF/A profile suited to long-term preservation workflows.
Use it when a repository or compliance process asks for PDF/A—and validate the result against your own requirements.
How to use
Upload one PDF
Select or drag a .pdf file into the upload area.
Choose a PDF/A profile
Continue, then select 1a, 1b, 2a, or 2b.
Convert and download
Run conversion and save the resulting PDF for validation or storage.
Supported inputs and output
Input: one .pdf file and a PDF/A output format (pdfa-1a | pdfa-1b | pdfa-2a | pdfa-2b). Output: one .pdf file.
Approximate upload limit is about 100 MB per request.
Processing and privacy
Your PDF is posted over HTTPS to /api/converter/pdf-to-pdfa and processed temporarily on Toolomix servers via Stirling-PDF, then returned as a download.
Toolomix does not publish a verified universal retention clock for every conversion. See the Privacy Policy for how uploads and logs are handled.
Limitations
Known limits
- Single PDF per request—no batch conversion
- Conversion success depends on Stirling-PDF capabilities for the file
- Some source features may be incompatible with PDF/A rules
- No password / encrypted-PDF unlock field
- Uploads near or above ~100 MB may be rejected
Troubleshooting
If conversion fails, confirm the file opens locally, remove encryption, try another PDF/A profile, and keep the upload under ~100 MB.
If the result fails your validator, the source may use fonts, transparency, or encryption features that need fixing before re-conversion.
PDF/A FAQ
What endpoint converts my file?
The browser posts to /api/converter/pdf-to-pdfa with your chosen outputFormat. Toolomix processes the PDF through Stirling-PDF and returns a PDF download.
Which PDF/A profiles are available?
PDF/A-1a, PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2a, and PDF/A-2b. Pick the profile your archiving policy requires.
Will every PDF convert successfully?
Not always. PDF/A conversion depends on Stirling-PDF capabilities for the uploaded file and on source features that may be incompatible with archival rules.
Can I unlock a password-protected PDF here?
No. There is no password field. Remove encryption before uploading.
What file do I download?
A .pdf file intended as PDF/A for the profile you selected.
Is there a size limit?
Uploads are limited to about 100 MB by server middleware. Larger files may be rejected.
Can I convert multiple PDFs in one request?
No. Upload one PDF per conversion.
Related tools
Create a PDF/A now
Upload one PDF, pick a PDF/A profile, and download an archival file.
