# PDF to PDF/A: Arthize vs PDFtk

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/pdftk/pdf-to-pdfa_

To convert a PDF to PDF/A, Arthize offers a free, private pdf to pdf/a with no watermark — a focused alternative to PDFtk. Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term.

## Arthize's pdf to pdf/a vs PDFtk

PDFtk is a command-line PDF toolkit. PDFtk is a free command-line tool for scripted PDF operations.

**Arthize's approach:** Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term.

- A visual workspace instead of memorising command-line flags.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- Handles conversion, OCR, signing and editing that PDFtk doesn't.

## How to convert a PDF to PDF/A with Arthize

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 with Arthize

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

### Is Arthize a good PDFtk alternative to convert a PDF to PDF/A?

Yes. Converting to PDF/A produces an archival-standard PDF with embedded fonts and no external dependencies, so it stays readable for the long term. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. PDFtk is excellent for developers automating simple, repeatable PDF tasks from scripts.

### 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.