> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.apryse.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.apryse.com/cli/pdf-a-manager/pdfa-manager.md).
# Convert PDF to PDF/A via Command Line
Validate and convert PDF files to PDF/A compliant documents with PDF/A Manager. Fast, reliable, and suitable for server use. Check compliance, convert files, and create web-optimized PDF/A documents.
**PDF/A Manager** is a PDF/A (ISO 19005-1) validation and conversion software. It is available as a command-line tool.
Please visit our [Online Demo](https://showcase.apryse.com/pdfa-conversion) to see this live in your browser.
The conversion option analyses the content of existing PDF files and performs a sequence of modifications in order to produce a PDF/A compliant document. Features that are not suitable for long-term archiving (such as encryption, obsolete compression schemes, missing fonts, or device-dependent color) are replaced with their PDF/A compliant equivalents. Because the conversion process applies only necessary changes to the source file, the information loss is minimal. Also, because the converter provides a detailed report for each change, it is simple to inspect changes and to determine whether the conversion loss is acceptable.
The validation option in PDF/A Manager can be used to quickly determine whether a PDF file fully complies with the PDF/A specification according to the international standard ISO 19005-1. For files that are not compliant, the validation option can be used to produce a detailed report of compliance violations as well as a list of relevant error objects.
Download PDF/A ManagerLaunch Online Demo
**Like other Apryse products, PDF/A Manager does not rely on other third-party software. PDF/A Manager can be used in server environments or as a batch conversion process.**
PDF/A Manager Command-Line utility is based on [PDF SDK](https://apryse.com/products/core-sdk/pdf) core technology which is available for integration in third party solutions and applications. For more information, please vist ([https://apryse.com/products/core-sdk/pdf/](https://apryse.com/products/core-sdk/pdf)) or contact a [Apryse representative](https://apryse.com/contact-us).
SDK GuideSDK Sample
## **Why PDF/A Manager?**
* PDF/A Manager is an indispensable tool for anyone working with PDF/A.
* Supports all versions of the PDF format (PDF 1.0 to ISO32000).
* Includes an option to create linearized (web-optimized) PDF/A documents.
* Fast, reliable and suitable for server use.
## **Key Functions**
* Checks if a PDF file is compliant with PDF/A (ISO 19005-1) specification.
* Converts any PDF to a PDF/A compliant document.
* Support for all versions of PDF/A.
* Produces a detailed report of compliance violations and associated PDF objects.
* Keeps the required changes a minimum, preserving the consistency of the original.
* Tracks all changes to allow for automatic assessment of data loss.
* Allows user to customize compliance checks or omit specific changes during PDF/A conversion.
* Preserves tags, logical structure, and color information in existing PDF documents.
* Offers automatic font substitution, embedding, and subsetting options.
* Supports automation and batch operation. PDF/A Manager is designed to be used in unattended mode in high throughput server or batch environments.
## **Common Use Case Scenarios**
* Libraries, newspaper agencies, and government institutions can use PDF/A Manager to automate PDF archiving in high-throughput web applications of server based environments.
* Maintainers or large collections of existing PDF documents can use PDF/A Manager in batch mode to ensure that all files are suitable for long-term archiving.
* Software developers can use PDF/A Manager SDK or [PDF SDK](https://apryse.com/products/core-sdk/pdf) API to add the PDF/A Export option to their existing PDF export filter.
## **Operating Systems Supported**
* Windows, Linux and Mac.
## **System Requirements**
* At least 20 MB of free disk space.
* Memory requirement is heavily dependent on the nature of the document(s) being processed.
## Examples
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Shell" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}
```sh
#!/bin/sh
echo "Example 1) Test a PDF file for PDF/A compliance:"
./pdfa --noxml "Apryse PDFA Manager User Manual.pdf" --lic_key ""
echo
echo "Example 2) Test PDF files for PDF/A compliance and generate an XML error report:"
./pdfa -o OUT1 --level B --subfolders *.pdf --lic_key ""
echo
echo "Example 3) An example of PDF/A Conversion:"
./pdfa -c -z -o OUT2 *.pdf --lic_key ""
echo
echo "Example 4) An example of PDF/A Conversion:"
./pdfa -c --noxml -o OUT3 --subfolders "Apryse PDFA Manager User Manual.pdf" OUT2 --lic_key ""
```
{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
---
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