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PDF to PDF/A converters (or simply PDF/A converters) are software programs that convert PDF files to PDF/A format. PDF/A is a variant of the PDF format that is specifically designed for the long-term archiving of electronic documents. PDF/A eliminates some features of PDF to ensure their long-term preservation. PDF/A format is preferred when storing documents that will be used as evidence or need to be kept for a long time. PDF to PDF/A conversion is a crucial task, and choosing the right PDF to PDF/A converter is essential for proper document archiving.
In this article, we will look at the top 7 PDF to PDF/A converters that you can use to convert your PDF documents seamlessly.
Video Tutorial:
What is a PDF to PDF/A Converter?
A PDF to PDF/A converter is a software program that converts PDF files into PDF/A format. PDF/A is a subset of the PDF format that is designed specifically for the long-term archiving of electronic documents. PDF/A converters convert the PDF documents into PDF/A format by eliminating some of the PDF features that may not be suitable for long-term document storage. PDF/A is a preferred format for storing documents where the content needs to be preserved for the long term and must be accessible in the future.
Top 7 PDF to PDF/A Converters
Top 1: UUByte PDF Editor
UUByte PDF Editor is an excellent PDF editing tool that comes with various features, including the PDF to PDF/A conversion feature. The software has an intuitive user interface and is super easy to use. With UUByte PDF Editor, you can convert your existing PDF documents into PDF/A format with just one click. The software can preserve the formatting and layout of the original document while converting it to PDF/A format.
Pros:
- Easy to use, with a user-friendly interface.
- Fast conversion speed.
- Preserves the formatting and layout of the original documents.
- Supports batch conversion of multiple documents simultaneously.
Cons:
- The software is only available for Windows OS.
- The software is not free.
Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-use | Value for Money | |
---|---|---|---|---|
UUByte PDF Editor | Yes | $25.95/license | Very easy | High |
Adobe Acrobat DC | Yes | $14.99-$24.99/month | Easy | Expensive |
PDFelement | Yes | $69-$129/license | Moderate | High |
Able2Extract | Yes | $149.95/license | Moderate | Low |
Online-convert.com | Yes | Free-$9.99/month | Easy | High |
Convertio | Yes | $7.99/month | Easy | Low |
PDF Converter Elite | Yes | $29.95-$79.95/license | Moderate | Moderate |
Top 2: Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat DC is one of the most popular PDF editing tools out there. It comes with a plethora of features, including the PDF to PDF/A conversion feature. With Adobe Acrobat DC, you can easily convert your PDF documents to PDF/A format without losing any information. The software also allows you to edit and annotate your PDF documents.
Pros:
- Advanced editing features.
- Supports batch conversion of multiple documents simultaneously.
- Supports many file formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Cons:
- Expensive subscription-based pricing
- Not beginner-friendly
- The software consumes a lot of system resources.
Top 3: PDFelement
PDFelement is a powerful PDF editor and converter that comes with a wide range of features. With PDFelement, you can easily convert your PDF files to PDF/A format. The software can handle complex documents and preserve the original formatting and layout of the documents.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Supports performing OCR on scanned PDFs.
- Supports batch conversion of multiple documents simultaneously.
Cons:
- The OCR feature requires a separate purchase.
- The software is relatively expensive.
- The software consumes a lot of system resources.
Top 4: Able2Extract
Able2Extract is a powerful PDF editing and conversion software that comes with various features, including the PDF to PDF/A conversion feature. With Able2Extract, you can convert your PDF documents to PDF/A format without losing any of their original contents.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Advanced PDF conversion features.
- Supports batch conversion of multiple documents simultaneously.
Cons:
- The software is relatively expensive.
- The software consumes a lot of system resources.
- The output files may not be compatible with all PDF viewers.
Top 5: Online-convert.com
Online-convert.com is an online conversion tool that can convert your PDF files to PDF/A format. With the software, you can upload your PDF files to their server and convert them to PDF/A format. The software is easy to use and requires no installation.
Pros:
- Easy to use, with no installation required.
- Supports many file formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Allows you to adjust the output quality of your converted files.
Cons:
- The software requires an internet connection to work.
- The software may not be suitable for large PDF files.
- The quality of the output files may not be the same as the original files.
Top 6: Convertio
Convertio is an online file conversion tool that can convert your PDF files to PDF/A format. With Convertio, you can upload your PDF files and convert them to PDF/A format instantly. The software is easy to use and requires no installation.
Pros:
- Easy to use, with no installation required.
- Supports many file formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Allows you to adjust the output quality of your converted files.
Cons:
- The software requires an internet connection to work.
- The software may not be suitable for large PDF files.
- The output quality may not be the same as the original files.
Top 7: PDF Converter Elite
PDF Converter Elite is a PDF editing and conversion software that comes with various features, including PDF to PDF/A conversion. With PDF Converter Elite, you can convert your PDF documents to PDF/A format without losing any original content. The software can handle complex documents and preserve their formatting and layout.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Advanced conversion features.
- Supports batch conversion of multiple documents simultaneously.
Cons:
- The software is relatively expensive.
- The software may not be suitable for large PDF files.
- The output quality may not be the same as the original files.
Our Thoughts on PDF to PDF/A Converters
PDF to PDF/A conversion is a critical task, especially when dealing with documents that need to be stored for a long time. Choosing the right PDF to PDF/A converter is essential in ensuring that the documents are correctly archived and available for future use. From our list of the top 7 PDF to PDF/A converters, UUByte PDF Editor stands out as the best PDF to PDF/A converter. It is fast, easy-to-use, and preserves the formatting and layout of the original document. Additionally, the software comes with a free trial, allowing you to test its features before you purchase.
FAQs
Q1: Is PDF to PDF/A conversion necessary?
A: Yes, PDF to PDF/A conversion is necessary when dealing with documents that need to be stored for a long time. PDF/A format ensures the long-term preservation of electronic documents.
Q2: Can I convert multiple PDF documents to PDF/A format simultaneously using these converters?
A: Yes, most of these converters support batch conversion of multiple PDF documents.
Q3: Is PDF to PDF/A conversion a free service?
A: Some converters offer free PDF to PDF/A conversion services, while others require payment.
Q4: Can I edit the converted PDF/A documents using these converters?
A: Yes, most of these converters come with PDF editing features that allow you to edit the converted PDF/A documents.
Q5: Are there any limitations to the PDF to PDF/A conversion services offered by these converters?
A: Yes, some PDF features may not be supported in the PDF/A format, so the converters may eliminate them to ensure the long-term preservation of the documents.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right PDF to PDF/A converter ensures the proper archiving of electronic documents that need to last for a long time. UUByte PDF Editor is the best choice for PDF to PDF/A conversion. It is fast, easy-to-use, and preserves the formatting and layout of the original documents. The software also comes with a free trial, allowing you to test its features before purchasing. Choose the right PDF to PDF/A converter and ensure that your electronic documents are stored in the proper format, ready for future use.