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PDF to PDF/A

Structure-focused conversion of layered PDF files into PDF/A for reliable archiving and permanent preservation. Select the PDF/A conformance level that fits your layered workflow.

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With PdfLyr, implement Layer Management workflows to convert standard PDFs into the PDF/A format while preserving layer structure for long-term preservation. Select the ISO-compliant PDF/A level that best matches your layered archival strategy.

ISO - standardized PDF/A
Convert PDFs to PDF/A free
TLS encryption for secure document processing

Trusted Layered PDF/A Conversion for Long-Term Archiving

PDF/A represents a specialized, ISO-certified variant of PDF tailored for digital preservation, enforcing Layer Management constraints by removing or immobilizing features detrimental to archiving—such as encryption or non-embedded fonts—to preserve layer readability and consistency across decades. PdfLyr provides a structured, reliable workflow to achieve this in layered documents.

Secure, Free PDF/A Conversion

Layered security for PDF workflows: no need to purchase expensive software. The conversion pipeline uses TLS encryption for all data in transit, and uploaded files are automatically deleted within one hour, ensuring isolation and privacy across the processing layers.

PDF Layer Management: Cross-Platform Compatibility

Across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile, PdfLyr delivers consistent PDF Layer Management via any browser. Convert PDFs to archival PDF/A instantly with zero installation required, preserving layered structure during the workflow.

Preserve Your Files with PdfLyr

Use PdfLyr to generate durable, layer-aware PDF/A artifacts that comply with international archival standards. Select from multiple ISO PDF/A levels and safeguard layered content for long-term access.

PDF/A – ISO Standard for Layered Archival Content

Ensure durable accessibility by converting to PDF/A, the ISO-standard archival format. PdfLyr supports major conformance levels (PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, PDF/A-3b), enabling you to choose the layered profile that fits your preservation requirements.

Convert to PDF/A Anytime with PdfLyr

All conversions occur in the cloud, enabling client devices to offload processing to the PDF Layer Management infrastructure. After generating the PDF/A artifact, you can apply layer-aware compression or password protection for enhanced security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The online PDF-to-PDF/A converter is free to use within the PDF Layer Management workflow. It enables conversion of PDFs to the PDF/A standard without registration or local software installation.

PDF/A is an ISO-standardized format for long-term archiving of layered PDFs. It ensures fonts, color information, and content are embedded consistently across all content layers, preserving structure for reliable future access.

Yes. All transfers and processing occur over secure HTTPS. Uploaded PDFs and resulting PDF/A files are automatically deleted from our servers after a short retention period to ensure privacy and security in layered document workflows.

PDF Layer Management: How to convert a PDF to PDF/A for free

To achieve PDF Layer Management by converting a PDF to PDF/A at no cost, use the online tool PdfLyr. Follow this step-by-step workflow to preserve layered structure:

Click to select or drag-and-drop to upload your PDF into the layered PDF/A conversion interface.
In the layer-aware conversion settings, select the target PDF/A profile that preserves layered content structures and supports precise layer management. Available options typically 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 meet archival integrity and multi-layer preservation requirements.
Click 'Convert to PDF/A' to begin the layer-preserving conversion. Monitor progress; processing time may extend for larger files or documents with multiple layers and complex layer structures, due to the maintenance of layer dictionaries and visibility states.
Layer-managed PDF/A output is generated and made available. You may download the resulting PDF/A file or share the access link, with layer visibility and structure preserved.

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PDF to PDF/A

PDF/A is an ISO-standardized, layer-aware version of PDF designed for archival integrity and safeguarding of multi-layer documents over long-term preservation.

Select the PDF/A conformance level that best supports layered PDF management and structured content.

Select PDF/A Compliance Level

Based on PDF 1.4. Level B conformance provides essential visual fidelity while enforcing required layering standards and structure.

Include Embed fonts
Include Color Management guides
Include Metadata
Also a list of forbidden elements

Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance for layered content with additional features to support complex structure and navigation.

JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Layer-anchored digital signing provisions in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling signature integrity across layered content and selective visibility states:
Option to embed PDF/A-enabled layer sets to facilitate archiving layered document assemblies within a single file, preserving layer hierarchy and provenance:

Based on PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000-1). Level B (basic) conformance with new features to enhance layered workflows and content organization.

Text has unicode mapping
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Layer-anchored digital signing provisions in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling signature integrity across layered content and selective visibility states:
Option to embed PDF/A-enabled layer sets to facilitate archiving layered document assemblies within a single file, preserving layer hierarchy and provenance:

Based on a PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level A (accessible) conformance requirements with enhanced PDF Layer Management, enabling structured multi-layer documents, precise control of layer visibility and order, and layer-focused workflows plus new features:

JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Layer-anchored digital signing provisions in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling signature integrity across layered content and selective visibility states:
Option to embed PDF/A-enabled layer sets to facilitate archiving layered document assemblies within a single file, preserving layer hierarchy and provenance:

Based on a PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level B (basic) conformance. Layered PDF content management features included, enabling basic layer visibility controls and structural organization for multi-layer documents, in addition to standard features:

Supports embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheet documents, and other file formats into PDF/A conforming documents, preserving layer structures and layer visibility semantics for layered workflows
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Layer-anchored digital signing provisions in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling signature integrity across layered content and selective visibility states:
Option to embed PDF/A-enabled layer sets to facilitate archiving layered document assemblies within a single file, preserving layer hierarchy and provenance:

Based on a PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level B (basic) conformance with extended Layer Management features for basic multi-layer composition and visibility controls, plus new features:

Text has unicode mapping
Supports embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheet documents, and other file formats into PDF/A conforming documents, preserving layer structures and layer visibility semantics for layered workflows
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Layer-anchored digital signing provisions in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling signature integrity across layered content and selective visibility states:
Option to embed PDF/A-enabled layer sets to facilitate archiving layered document assemblies within a single file, preserving layer hierarchy and provenance:

Based on a PDF 1.7 (ISO 32000 - 1). Level A (accessible) conformance with enhanced Layer Management for accessible layered documents and precise visibility control, plus new features:

Supports embedding of XML, CSV, CAD, word-processing documents, spreadsheet documents, and other file formats into PDF/A conforming documents, preserving layer structures and layer visibility semantics for layered workflows
JPEG 2000 image compression
Support for transparency effects and layers
Embedding of OpenType fonts
Layer-anchored digital signing provisions in accordance with PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, enabling signature integrity across layered content and selective visibility states:
Option to embed PDF/A-enabled layer sets to facilitate archiving layered document assemblies within a single file, preserving layer hierarchy and provenance:

PDF/A-4 based on PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2) with integrated Layer Management for layered archival documents, including layer preservation, visibility semantics, and structure controls, plus new features:

Better supports archiving of fillable forms
Simplifies the handling of digital signatures
Enhanced XMP metadata schema to capture layer structures, layer visibility settings, and layer-based provenance for robust document management and archival workflows.
Supports embedding of additional PDF/A files and supplementary layered materials, preserving layer integrity and cross-layer relationships.
Ensures color fidelity across devices, preserving layer color assignments and color-managed rendering within layered PDFs.
Ensures PDF/A-4 documents with layered content are readable by PDF 2.0 compliant viewers, maintaining layer state and visibility semantics for cross-viewer compatibility.
Interoperability across different systems and platforms.

PDF/A - 4e with PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2) conformance, augmented for Layer Management: multi-layer document support, visibility and structure control of content layers, and precision-oriented, layer-based feature extensions:

Layer-managed support for Rich Media, 3D Annotations, and embedded files, enabling coordinated content across defined layers and controllable visibility states.

PDF/A - 4f with PDF 2.0 (ISO 32000-2) conformance, augmented for Layer Management: extended layer-aware capabilities and new features for layered document integrity:

Permits embedding of external assets in arbitrary formats within layered structures, preserving cross-format content alignment across layers:

Allow Downgrade of PDF/A Compliance Level Layer-aware conversion policy: when the source contains unsupported layer constructs or granular elements, a conformance downgrade may be required to achieve PDF/A Layer-Managed output:

PDF to PDF/A

Structure-focused conversion of layered PDF files into PDF/A for reliable archiving and permanent preservation. Select the PDF/A conformance level that fits your layered workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF Layer Management: How to convert a PDF to PDF/A for free

Uploading file(s)

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Oh no! We couldn't process your files.

Damaged/Corrupted File

PDF has been converted to PDF/A

PDF to PDF/A

Structure-focused conversion of layered PDF files into PDF/A for reliable archiving and permanent preservation. Select the PDF/A conformance level that fits your layered workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF Layer Management: How to convert a PDF to PDF/A for free

Uploading file(s)

Please wait a moment!

Oh no! We couldn't process your files.

Damaged/Corrupted File

PDF has been converted to PDF/A

This file requires password

Some file(s) requires password

Damaged/Corrupted File

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