What Makes PDF/A Different from a Regular PDF
A standard PDF can reference external fonts, link to external resources, include encrypted content, and embed scripts. These features create dependencies on external resources that may not exist in 20 years. PDF/A removes those dependencies entirely. All fonts must be embedded. All color spaces must be defined in a standard way. External content references are prohibited. JavaScript and encryption are not allowed.
PDF/A Versions Explained
PDF/A-1 is the strictest version, required by many government and legal archiving systems. PDF/A-2 adds support for JPEG2000 compression, layers, and digital signatures. It is a good default for most new archiving workflows. PDF/A-3 allows embedding of arbitrary file types as attachments and is used in e-invoicing standards such as ZUGFeRD. For most use cases, PDF/A-2 is the right choice unless a specific variant is required.
Who Needs PDF/A
Government agencies and courts in many countries require PDF/A for electronic filings, especially in the EU. Law firms and compliance teams convert signed contracts to PDF/A for long-term records retention. Universities use PDF/A for theses and research data that must remain accessible for decades.
How to Convert a PDF to PDF/A Online
Open the ToolMint PDF to PDF/A tool. Upload the PDF you want to convert. The tool validates the document structure and embeds any fonts or color profiles needed. Select the PDF/A variant if prompted — PDF/A-2b is a good default. Click Convert and download the resulting file. Note that files containing encryption, JavaScript actions, or DRM restrictions must have those elements removed first.
Limitations of PDF/A
Because PDF/A prohibits encryption, a PDF/A file cannot be password protected. Organizations typically store the PDF/A version in a secured document management system. PDF/A also prohibits JavaScript and complex interactive form fields, which means interactive forms cannot be converted to PDF/A while retaining their interactivity.