Explicit Level-b Profile
Generate the supported PDF/A-2b structure with matching archival identification. The tool does not claim PDF/A-2a accessibility or PDF/A-2u Unicode text conformance.
PDF to PDF/A-2b
Create an image-only PDF/A-2b copy with visible page geometry applied.
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Table of Content10 Sections
What Is Produced by PDF to PDF/A-2b?
Create a new PDF/A-2b document from selected visible pages of a PDF. The generated PDF uses a PDF 1.7 structure, page images and embedded sRGB color information. Existing page rotation and cropping are applied when the images are rendered.
The PDF/A-2b profile does not change this tool's image-only approach. Even where the standard permits richer content, this converter rebuilds page images and removes selectable text, interactive fields, links, layers, attachments and original digital-signature objects.
PDF/A-2b Conversion Features
Visible Page Geometry
Apply the source page's visible crop and rotation to the new image page. A rotated landscape sheet remains oriented as rendered, without copying hidden material outside its crop.
Detail Options for Mixed Pages
Choose from four DPI values when the source combines text, diagrams or scans. Check a representative page because the most demanding page may determine a practical resolution.
Local Output Checks
Verify the generated page resources, image lengths, metadata and pinned color profile before download. Representative release outputs are independently tested against veraPDF's PDF/A-2b profile.
How Do I Convert Selected Pages to PDF/A-2b?
- Select an unencrypted PDF and confirm the visible orientation and cropping of the pages you need.
- Keep PDF/A-2b selected as the output profile.
- Choose a page range and 72, 150, 200 or 300 DPI.
- Acknowledge that page images replace searchable and interactive content, then run the conversion.
- Download the new PDF and compare a portrait page, any rotated sheet and the smallest text with the source.
Select the PDF
Choose the document and inspect its visible page orientation.
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Set the Archival Detail
Keep PDF/A-2b selected and choose the page range and DPI.
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Review the Page Copy
Download the output and compare the visible page boundaries and detail.
Select the screenshot to enlarge it.
Screenshots show this toolkit using harmless sample files. Your file name, page count and settings may differ.
Why Make a PDF/A-2b Visual Derivative?
This conversion is useful when a workflow requests PDF/A-2b and accepts a visual derivative of the record. It gives the selected pages a consistent, limited output structure even when their source features differ. Keep the original when you need editable form data, text extraction or signed-document evidence. The output profile is a file-format property; it does not determine which record version your organization should retain.
Who Can Use This PDF/A-2b Output?
Document Coordinators
Prepare a visible-page copy for an established workflow that specifies the PDF/A-2b profile.
Technical Review Teams
Preserve the rendered orientation of mixed portrait and landscape pages for later inspection.
Research Administrators
Create a consistent visual derivative of selected material alongside the original source documents.
Settings and Output Checks
| Setting | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Profile and structure | PDF/A-2b by default, using PDF 1.7 and embedded RGB page images. |
| Source and pages | One PDF up to 100 MiB and 500 source pages; at most 50 selected pages. |
| Resolution | 72, 150, 200 or 300 DPI; 24 megapixels per page and 120 megapixels per job. |
| Output limit | Up to 160 MiB. Each visible page side must be between 3 and 14,400 PDF points. |
| Search and interaction | No retained text layer, forms, clickable links, layers, attachments or original digital signatures. |
Check a Mixed-Orientation Document
For a report with portrait text pages and a rotated landscape drawing, convert one example of each at 150 DPI first. Check the drawing's orientation and visible boundary. If small labels are unclear, repeat that sample at a higher DPI within the limits, then use the setting appropriate for the material you need to preserve.
Troubleshooting PDF/A-2b Conversion
| Situation | What to Check |
|---|---|
| A large technical page exceeds the limit | Reduce DPI for that page or prepare a smaller visible page in the source workflow. The limit is based on pixels, not only file size. |
| Searching finds no words | The export is image-only. Selecting PDF/A-2b does not add or preserve a searchable text layer. |
| The destination requires PDF/A-2u | This tool produces the level-b profile. A Unicode-text requirement needs a different conversion workflow with a verified text layer. |
FAQs
Does Choosing PDF/A-2b Preserve All Features Allowed by PDF/A-2?
No. The standard's permitted features and this converter's implemented subset are different scopes. This tool deliberately rebuilds the selected pages as images.
Are Rotated Pages Turned into Upright Output Images?
The source page's rendered rotation is applied to its new page image. Review the result if the original file has unusual rotation or cropping settings.
Can I Use the Result as the Only Copy of a Signed PDF?
The new document does not retain the source signature object or its cryptographic validity. Keep the signed original whenever that evidence is required.