PRIVATE DOCUMENT WORKSPACE
PDF to PDF/A-2b
Create a browser-local, image-based PDF/A-2b archive with embedded sRGB color information and archival metadata.
Quick answer: Choose an unsigned PDF of up to 50 pages. Set the archive title and image resolution, then confirm the image-only trade-off. Create the export and validate that individual file with veraPDF before formal archival submission.
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How to use it
- Choose an unsigned PDFSelect a file of up to 50 pages.
- Set title and resolutionName the archive and choose an image resolution.
- Create and validateConfirm the image-only trade-off, export, and validate with your archive requirements.
About this tool
PDF/A is the long-term archive flavour of PDF, meant to look the same decades from now. This tool produces a visual archive copy by rendering pages as images and wrapping them with the required color profile and metadata.
Practical example: Keep an unmodified editable original, export a final visual reference copy, and check that archive with veraPDF. If a records office requires searchable, tagged or signed archival documents, use a specialist workflow instead.
Important limitation: This is a raster archival workflow, not a general vector-preserving PDF/A converter. Searchable text, links, layers, form fields, attachments and digital signatures are not retained. Resolution changes file size and sharpness. The browser does not contain a full PDF/A validator.
Pages are rendered and assembled locally; the document is not uploaded. Read the privacy information.
How it works
Pages are rendered as images and assembled into a PDF with an embedded sRGB color profile and archival metadata so the file can pass PDF/A-2b validation.
Real-world uses
- Meeting a records-retention requirement
- Submitting a document to an archive
- Preserving a signed paper scan
Is an image-based PDF/A what you need?
Many offices ask for “a PDF/A” without saying which kind. If they want a visual reference copy of the document as it looked on a given day, an image-based file is acceptable. If they require searchable, tagged or accessible documents, or signatures that stay valid, this approach is not enough and you need a specialist converter.
Pages are converted to images, so selectable text, links, layers, forms, attachments and signatures are not kept. Keep your editable original separately. Choose a resolution that stays readable without producing a huge file; 150 to 200 DPI is common for office documents.
The tool does not include a full PDF/A validator. If compliance matters, check the output with a validator such as veraPDF before submitting.
Tips for better results
- Pages become images, so text will not be selectable.
- Check with the recipient or records policy that PDF/A-2b is the level required.
- Use a higher resolution for small print.
Frequently asked questions
Is this just a renamed PDF?
No. Pages are rebuilt as images in a new PDF with an embedded ICC output intent and PDF/A-2b XMP identification. Independent validation is still required for each archival submission.
Is the output searchable or accessible?
No. This visual-only workflow does not preserve text or tags. It is not PDF/UA and it is unsuitable when searchable or accessible text is required.
Which conformance level is supported?
Only the image-based PDF/A-2b workflow. PDF/A-1, PDF/A-3, PDF/A-4, level A and level U are not offered.
Are my files uploaded?
Pages are rendered and assembled locally; the document is not uploaded.
Will links and forms still work?
No. They are flattened into the page images.
Which PDF/A level is created?
PDF/A-2b, the basic visual-fidelity conformance level.