# PDF to PDF/A for developers

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

Arthize lets software developers 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 developers convert a PDF to PDF/A

A developer converts a Markdown spec to a clean PDF for a stakeholder, extracts text from a vendor PDF to parse it, and archives the release notes as PDF/A.

**Built for technical docs.** Whether it's technical docs, specs, README files, Arthize's pdf to pdf/a keeps the work inside your private workspace. Internal specs and unreleased docs are confidential; a private workspace keeps them off public converters.

## 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 developers 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 software developers can use it for technical docs without a confidentiality risk.

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

Yes. Internal specs and unreleased docs are confidential; a private workspace keeps them off public converters. 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.