# PDF to PDF/A for lawyers

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

Arthize lets legal teams 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 lawyers convert a PDF to PDF/A

Before a filing, a paralegal merges statements and exhibits into one bundle, adds consistent page numbers for the court, and redacts personal data so nothing privileged leaks — all inside a private workspace rather than a free public converter.

**Built for contracts.** Whether it's contracts, court bundles, exhibits, Arthize's pdf to pdf/a keeps the work inside your private workspace. Client files are privileged. A contract or discovery packet uploaded to a stranger's ad-funded server is a confidentiality risk lawyers can't take.

## 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 lawyers 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 legal teams can use it for contracts without a confidentiality risk.

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

Yes. Client files are privileged. A contract or discovery packet uploaded to a stranger's ad-funded server is a confidentiality risk lawyers can't take. 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.