- 1Upload
- 2Process
- 3Download
PDF/A Converter & Validator online, free
Convert to archival PDF/A-1b, 2b or 3b, or validate an existing file with detailed ISO compliance findings.
- Encrypted server job — auto-deleted in 24 h
- Free, no sign-up, no watermark
How to use PDF/A Converter & Validator
- 1
Add your PDF file
Drop a file on the page, paste it, or click Select Files.
- 2
Fine-tune the settings
Set operation and level in the Fine-tune panel, or keep the defaults — they suit most files.
- 3
Run PDF/A Converter & Validator
Press the start button. The file is processed on an encrypted, auto-deleting server job.
- 4
Download the result
Save the finished file, or continue with another tool without downloading in between.
What PDF/A Converter & Validator can do
- Operation: convert and validate and validate only
- Level: 1b, 2b and 3b
- Encrypted server processing; files are deleted automatically within 24 hours
- Free with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily limit
PDF/A Converter & Validator — frequently asked questions
Is the PDF/A converter and validator really free?
Yes. Conversion and validation are free on Sada Files, with no watermark or premium-only controls.
Can I validate a PDF without converting it?
Yes. Choose **Validate only** to inspect the existing file against PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b or PDF/A-3b. The downloadable JSON report includes the verdict, declared conformance, violations, unsupported checks, output-intent details and rule-level findings.
What happens when I convert and validate?
The converter embeds the required archival metadata, output intent and fonts where possible, then validates the written file. A result is returned only when it passes the selected PDF/A level; otherwise the job reports a clear validation error.
Do I need to sign up or create an account?
No. There is no account system at Sada Files. Open the page, drop your file, pick your options and save the result. History and saved workflows stay on your device.
What happens to my file?
PDF/A conversion and validation need server processing. Your file is encrypted with a key unique to the job, kept in an ephemeral store for at most 24 hours so you can re-download or continue a workflow, and then deleted automatically. You can press Delete now at any time.
Which formats does PDF to PDF/A accept?
PDF to PDF/A accepts PDF. Files are identified by their content, not their extension, so a mislabelled file still works.
Is there a file size or file count limit?
No limit designed to upsell you. Server-assisted jobs accept files up to 2 GB each with fair-use rate limits only; self-host Sada Files for unlimited use.
Can I chain PDF to PDF/A with other tools?
Yes. After every result a Continue with… menu lists every tool that accepts this output, and the file is handed over in memory. Save the chain as a workflow and re-run it on hundreds of files, or call it in one API request.
Does PDF to PDF/A work on my phone?
Yes. The web app works on Android and iOS browsers, and the free Sada Files app for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and macOS runs PDF to PDF/A fully offline.
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