# PDF to PDF/A for authors

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/authors/pdf-to-pdfa_

Arthize lets authors and self-publishers convert a PDF to PDF/A in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term.

## Why authors convert a PDF to PDF/A

An author merges manuscript chapters into one file, resizes the pages to the print trim size, and exports a clean, watermark-free PDF for the printer.

**Built for manuscripts.** Whether it's manuscripts, proofs, cover files, Arthize's pdf to pdf/a keeps the work inside your private workspace. Unpublished manuscripts are valuable IP; private processing keeps them off public servers.

## What matters when you convert a PDF to PDF/A

PDF/A embeds all fonts and disallows external dependencies for long-term readability.

Many courts and archives require PDF/A for submitted documents.

Converting to PDF/A is how you future-proof a record.

## How to convert a PDF to PDF/A

1. **Open the convert tool** — Sign in, open Convert and choose PDF/A.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the document to archive.
3. **Convert** — Arthize embeds fonts and removes features PDF/A disallows.
4. **Download** — Get a compliant PDF/A file.

## FAQ

### How do authors convert a PDF to PDF/A for free?

Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why authors and self-publishers can use it for manuscripts without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to convert a PDF to PDF/A sensitive manuscripts?

Yes. Unpublished manuscripts are valuable IP; private processing keeps them off public servers. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I convert a PDF to PDF/A?

Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### What is PDF/A and why do I need it?

Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.