# PDF to PDF/A: Arthize vs Smallpdf

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/smallpdf/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 Smallpdf. 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 Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a popular freemium web-based PDF toolkit. Smallpdf offers a clean set of web tools on a freemium model with usage limits on the free tier.

**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.

- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- The free plan never adds a watermark to your output.
- Transparent pricing: free forever, Pro from $6/mo or $48/yr, and a one-time $149 lifetime option.
- A one-time lifetime option instead of only monthly billing.

## 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 Smallpdf 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. Smallpdf is a well-designed option, especially for occasional one-off conversions.

### 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.