Check if a PDF is PDF/A
Find out whether a PDF is PDF/A, which version it declares, and what stops it from passing an archiving check.
What is PDF/A, and how does this checker work?
PDF/A is the ISO 19005 standard for long-term archiving of documents. A PDF/A file must be self-contained so it looks exactly the same decades from now: all fonts embedded, a defined color profile, and no encryption, JavaScript, audio, video or links to external content. Courts, governments, universities and archives often require it.
This PDF/A validator answers two questions. First, is the PDF PDF/A? It reads the identification the file declares in its XMP metadata, for example PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, PDF/A-3u or PDF/A-4. Second, does it actually follow the rules? It checks the requirements that most often make a PDF/A validation fail, and lists what needs to be fixed.
How to use it
- 1
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop a PDF into the box above, or click Select PDF file. It's opened in your browser and isn't uploaded.
- 2
Read the result
You'll see straight away whether the file is PDF/A, which version and conformance level it declares, and the result of each compliance check.
- 3
Fix what fails
Each failed check explains the problem, such as fonts that aren't embedded or a missing color profile, so you know what to fix before you convert or submit the file.
Why use it
Check before you submit
E-filing portals, tenders and theses are often rejected because the PDF isn't really PDF/A. Check PDF/A compliance before the deadline, not after.
Private by design
The PDF is checked in your browser. Contracts, medical records and court documents never leave your device.
Clear explanations
Instead of a cryptic ISO clause number, each problem is explained in plain language and names the fonts or features involved.
Supported files and limits
- Supported format: PDF.
- Detects PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, PDF/A-3 and PDF/A-4, with levels a, b and u.
- Free accounts: files up to 50 MB. PDFSimplified Pro: files up to 200 MB.
- This is a quick check, not a certified ISO validation. Rules such as color space usage and font program internals aren't tested.
Privacy and file handling
Your PDF is checked entirely in your browser and is never uploaded to our servers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a PDF is PDF/A?
Upload the PDF above. The tool reads the PDF/A identification in the file's XMP metadata and tells you whether it's PDF/A and which version, then checks the main compliance rules.
What's the difference between PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b and PDF/A-3b?
PDF/A-1 is based on PDF 1.4 and forbids transparency and attachments. PDF/A-2 is based on PDF 1.7 and allows transparency, layers and JPEG 2000. PDF/A-3 is like PDF/A-2 but allows any file attachment, such as an XML invoice. The letter is the conformance level: b (basic) guarantees the visual appearance, u adds Unicode text, and a (accessible) also requires a tagged structure.
Can a PDF say it's PDF/A without being compliant?
Yes. The PDF/A identification is just metadata, and some software adds it without following every rule. That's why the tool also runs compliance checks and warns you when a file claims PDF/A but breaks the rules.
Is this an official PDF/A validation?
No. It's a fast check of the most common requirements. If you need formal proof of conformance, run the file through a full validator such as veraPDF.
Why does my PDF fail the font check?
PDF/A requires every font to be embedded in the file. Standard fonts such as Helvetica or Times are often only referenced. Re-export or convert the document with font embedding turned on.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The check runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.