PDF to PDF/A-1b
Real ISO 19005-1 archival conversion — embedded sRGB output intent, XMP metadata, PDF 1.4 structure.
Drop your PDF here
or click to browse · Files stay private
This tool converts a PDF to PDF/A-1b, the ISO 19005-1 standard for long-term archiving required by many courts, governments and repositories. It embeds an sRGB output profile and identification metadata, forces a compliant structure, and runs a built-in self-check on its own output.
Everything runs in your browser. Because no in-browser tool can self-certify, validate the result with a dedicated PDF/A validator for regulated use. Learn what PDF/A is and when you need it in our PDF/A guide.
How to Use
Upload your PDF
Drop the file onto the upload zone or click to browse.
Pick a mode
Guaranteed (image) always conforms; Preserve text keeps selectable text when the source allows.
Convert & download
Click Convert and download the archive-ready PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF/A-1b?
PDF/A-1b is the ISO 19005-1 standard for long-term archiving. It requires an embedded output colour profile, XMP identification metadata, PDF 1.4 structure, no encryption, and no external dependencies, so the file renders identically far into the future.
How does PDFelly build a conforming file?
PDFelly embeds a real sRGB IEC61966-2.1 ICC profile as a GTS_PDFA1 OutputIntent, writes XMP metadata with pdfaid part 1 / conformance B synced to the document info, sets a PDF 1.4 header with a classic cross-reference table (no object streams), and adds a document ID — all entirely in your browser.
Why does "Guaranteed" mode lose selectable text?
PDF/A-1b requires every font to be fully embedded. Browsers cannot re-embed fonts that the source PDF left out, so the guaranteed path rasterises each page to an opaque image — which has no fonts or transparency to violate the standard. Use Preserve-text mode if your source already embeds its fonts.
Is the output certified compliant?
PDFelly builds to the ISO 19005-1 specification, but no in-browser tool can self-certify. For regulated use, validate the result with a dedicated PDF/A validation tool before relying on it.
What does the built-in self-check do?
After conversion, PDFelly parses its own output and verifies the PDF/A-1b invariants it is meant to produce — 1.4 header, classic cross-reference table, sRGB OutputIntent, ICC profile, XMP identification, document ID, and the absence of encryption, fonts, transparency, JavaScript and other forbidden features. In guaranteed (image) mode a failed check blocks the download. It is a regression guard, not a substitute for external certification.