SurveyConvert PDF to PDF/A
Make a PDF/A copy of a PDF for long-term records. Each page becomes a picture with hidden text, so it looks the same and you can still search it.
or drop them here
Your files stay on this device
How to convert PDF to PDF/A
- Choose one or more PDFs.
- Pick the picture quality. Keep "Read the words on scanned pages" on so scans can be searched too.
- Press Make PDF/A and save the new file.
Archive closeout documents and as-builts
Some owners and agencies ask for closeout documents, as-builts or permit sets as PDF/A. Make a copy here to hand over or keep with the project records.
Private
Your files stay on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Free
No sign-up, no watermark on your file, no daily limit.
Works offline
Once the page loads, it keeps working without the internet.
Any device
Phone, tablet or computer, in Chrome, Edge or Safari.
Questions
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is a kind of PDF made to be kept for years. Everything it needs to look right, like colors and fonts, is inside the file, and things that can break later, like scripts and links, are left out.
Which PDF/A does it make?
PDF/A-2b, the level most archives and offices ask for. It checks out in veraPDF, a free PDF/A checker.
Will my text still be selectable?
Each page becomes a picture, with the words laid over it as hidden text. You can still search and copy them, but the text is no longer sharp at high zoom and the file can be bigger than before.
What happens to forms, links and comments?
They are drawn onto the page as they look now, so they no longer work as forms or links. Keep the original if you still need to edit it.
What about scanned pages?
With "Read the words on scanned pages" on, scans are read so they can be searched too. That takes a few seconds a page and works for English text.
Are my files uploaded?
No. The tool runs in your browser, so your files never leave your device. Nothing is sent to us or kept after you close the tab.
Is it free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark on your file and no daily limit.
Is there a file size limit?
Only what your device can hold in memory. Most phones handle files of a few hundred MB; a computer handles more.
Need to mark up the PDF too?
Survey is a full PDF app for drawings. Add pens, shapes, clouds and count markers, and keep every sheet in sync on your computer, iPad and phone.
Open Survey free