Enable PDF Optimization: transform PDFs into PDF/A for reliable archiving and permanent preservation. Select the PDF/A conformance level that aligns with your performance and efficiency goals.
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With PdfZu, quickly convert 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
Optimized PDF/A Conversion for Long - Term Archiving
PDF/A is an ISO - certified variant of PDF designed for durable digital preservation. It removes non-archival features (such as encryption or non - embedded fonts) to ensure readability for decades. PdfZu offers a fast, reliable path to achieving optimized archival.
Secure, Free PDF/A Conversion
No need to buy costly software. Our optimized PDF workflow uses TLS encryption, and uploaded files are securely erased within one hour, ensuring fast, privacy-preserving handling of optimized PDFs.
Efficient, cross-platform support across Windows, Mac, Linux & Mobile
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile, PdfZu runs smoothly in any browser. Convert PDFs to the archival PDF/A format quickly—no installation required.
Preserve Your Files with PdfZu
Use PdfZu to generate durable, optimized PDF/A files aligned with international standards. Select among ISO PDF/A levels to maximize long-term efficiency and performance.
PDF/A - ISO-standard, optimized archival format
Ensure long-lasting accessibility by converting to PDF/A, the ISO-standard archival format. PdfZu supports major conformance levels including PDF/A - 1b, PDF/A - 2b, and PDF/A - 3b, enabling you to choose the version that best fits your preservation requirements and performance goals.
Convert to PDF/A Anytime with PdfZu
All conversions occur in the cloud, minimizing local resource usage for faster, leaner workflows. After generating your PDF/A, you can also compress or password-protect it for enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This PDF to PDF/A converter is free online. You can convert PDFs to the PDF/A standard without registration or software installation, with fast, hassle-free operation.
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format designed for long-term document archiving. It embeds fonts, colors, and content to ensure reliable, optimized access in future workflows.
Yes. All processing uses secure HTTPS. Uploaded PDFs and converted PDF/A files are automatically deleted from our servers after a short retention window to protect privacy and support fast, secure optimization.
How to perform a PDF to PDF/A optimization for free?
To optimize a PDF to PDF/A for free, use the online PdfZu tool. Here's a concise, step-by-step guide to fast, efficient results:
Click to select or drag & drop to upload your PDFs into our optimized PDF to PDF/A tool.
To maximize PDF Optimization, set the target PDF/A in the conversion settings to minimize size while preserving usability. Common 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, chosen to balance archival integrity and efficient rendering.
Click Convert to PDF/A to initiate a fast, optimized conversion. The process runs quickly for typical files, with longer times for large files or high service load.
Optimized PDFs are ready promptly. Download the PDF/A file or share a secure link to streamline workflows.
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PDF to PDF/A
PDF/A is an ISO-standardized PDF variant designed for durable archiving and efficient safeguarding of electronic documents for the long term.
Choose the PDF/A conformance level for optimized conversion and performance.
Leverages PDF 1.4. Level B conformance to maintain essential visual fidelity while enabling streamlined, efficient standards-compliant output:
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B conformance with core features enhanced for performance and optimization:
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Efficient digital signatures that align with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures for fast validation and verification.
Option to embed PDF/A files to streamline archiving into a single, compact file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B conformance with core features and optimized enhancements for faster workflows:
Text has unicode mapping
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Efficient digital signatures that align with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures for fast validation and verification.
Option to embed PDF/A files to streamline archiving into a single, compact file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level A (accessible) conformance requirements plus optimization-driven features for lean performance and reduced resource use:
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Efficient digital signatures that align with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures for fast validation and verification.
Option to embed PDF/A files to streamline archiving into a single, compact file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level B (basic) conformance. Optimization-focused enhancements to Level B requirements plus new features:
Supports embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing, spreadsheet, and other formats into PDF/A conforming documents, enabling consolidated, optimized content within a single file.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Efficient digital signatures that align with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures for fast validation and verification.
Option to embed PDF/A files to streamline archiving into a single, compact file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level B (basic) conformance with optimization-driven features to streamline basic workflows:
Text has unicode mapping
Supports embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing, spreadsheet, and other formats into PDF/A conforming documents, enabling consolidated, optimized content within a single file.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Efficient digital signatures that align with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures for fast validation and verification.
Option to embed PDF/A files to streamline archiving into a single, compact file.
Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level A (accessible) conformance with optimization enhancements to accelerate accessibility workflows and improve efficiency:
Supports embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing, spreadsheet, and other formats into PDF/A conforming documents, enabling consolidated, optimized content within a single file.
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Efficient digital signatures that align with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures for fast validation and verification.
Option to embed PDF/A files to streamline archiving into a single, compact file.
PDF/A-4 based on PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000 - 2) conformance requirements with optimization-driven features for faster, lighter archival workflows:
Better supports archiving of fillable forms
Simplifies the handling of digital signatures
Optimized XMP metadata model for compact, comprehensive document management and archival metadata, enabling faster indexing and retrieval.
Enables embedding of other PDF/A files and supplementary materials, supporting consolidated workflows with reduced file handling.
Ensures consistent color reproduction across devices, reducing reflow and rework in cross-platform workflows.
Guarantees PDF/A-4 documents are readable by PDF 2.0 compliant viewers, minimizing compatibility checks and speeding up distribution.
Interoperability across different systems and platforms.
PDF/A - 4e optimized for performance, based on a PDF 2.0 PDF/A - 4 (ISO 32000 - 2) conformance, with streamlined features for faster processing and a smaller footprint:
Supports Rich Media, 3D Annotations, and embedded files with optimized handling for faster access and reduced resource use.
PDF/A - 4f optimized for performance, based on a PDF 2.0 PDF/A - 4 (ISO 32000 - 2) conformance, with features designed for efficient workflows:
Enables embedding of arbitrary file formats for compact archiving and fast, streamlined retrieval.
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