Online PDF/A Compliance Validator

Check if your PDF meets the strict requirements for long-term archiving. Our free tool validates your file against PDF/A standards to ensure its future readability and compliance.

Open Validator How it works
Pro tip: Validation is the first step. If your file fails, use a PDF/A conversion tool to fix compliance issues.
Processed
+1,100,000 files
Rating
4.7/5 (1100+)

PDF/A Validator — Tool

Upload your PDF to start. The tool will automatically check for PDF/A compliance and provide a detailed report.

Your files are always private. The entire validation process runs securely in your browser.

How to Validate a PDF/A File — Step by Step

Ensure your document meets archival standards with these simple steps.

  1. Open the widget — click “Open Validator” or scroll to the tool on this page.
  2. Upload your PDF file — drag & drop your document or select it from your computer.
  3. Automatic Validation — the tool will instantly begin analyzing your file against PDF/A conformance levels.
  4. Review the Report — check the results to see if your file passed or failed validation, along with details of any issues found.

Common use cases

  • Ensuring legal or government documents meet mandatory submission requirements.
  • Verifying academic theses or dissertations for library and university archives.
  • Checking corporate records, invoices, and contracts for long-term storage compliance.
  • Confirming that a file is properly prepared for digital preservation.

Why Validate for PDF/A Compliance?

Validating your PDF for PDF/A compliance is crucial for ensuring its future accessibility and reliability.

Long-Term Archiving

Guarantees that your document will look and act the same way for decades to come, regardless of software changes.

Meet Official Standards

PDF/A is an ISO standard required by many government agencies, libraries, and legal systems worldwide.

Self-Contained Files

A compliant file must embed all fonts, colors, and other resources, ensuring nothing is missing when opened later.

Guaranteed Readability

Prevents issues with future software or hardware by restricting features that could hinder long-term access.

Understanding Validation Results

  • A Pass result means your file is fully compliant with the selected PDF/A standard. No further action is needed.
  • A Fail result means your file does not meet the requirements. The report will typically list specific reasons for the failure.
  • Common reasons for failure include non-embedded fonts, the use of transparency, JavaScript, or encryption, all of which are forbidden in the PDF/A standard.
  • To fix a failed file, you will need to use a PDF editor or a dedicated PDF/A converter to address the specific issues reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to validate your document?

Open the validator, upload your PDF, and get an instant compliance report. Ensure your documents are ready for long-term archiving. It's fast, private, and free.

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