Free tool
PDF/A – the archival PDF format for long-term storage
A contract you open effortlessly today may look different in ten years, or not open at all – fonts, applications and formats change. That is what PDF/A was created for: an archival PDF that will look the same decades from now.
What is PDF/A?
PDF/A is the international standard for archival PDF (ISO 19005). It differs from a regular PDF in that the document must be self-contained: all fonts are embedded in the file itself, with no external references, changing content, or dependence on a specific application. Tvarka uses the PDF/A-2b variant – it ensures the document will look exactly as it did on the day of signing.
Why this matters for business: in Lithuania, accounting documents must be kept for 10 years, and contracts remain in force even longer. A plain .docx file is not reliable evidence – it is easy to change, and how it renders depends on software versions.
How does it work in Tvarka?
You do not convert anything by hand – it happens in the background, automatically:
- You upload a .docx or another document.
- Tvarka automatically prepares an archival PDF/A-2b version.
- Every version is kept in the history – you always see what changed and when.
- You sign with a qualified electronic signature (QES) – the signed version stays in the archive as well.
Frequently asked questions
Does PDF/A open in regular applications?
Yes – PDF/A is a subset of PDF, so any PDF reader opens it. The difference is not in how the file displays but in how it endures; PDF/A is meant for the archival preservation of documents.
Does conversion change the document content?
No – the content and layout are preserved; only fonts are embedded and elements unsuitable for archiving are removed. The original uploaded file is also kept in the version history.
Can a PDF/A document be signed?
Yes – the QES is applied to the archival version itself, so the document is immediately fit for long-term storage.
You upload documents after signing in with your electronic signature – access to company documents is controlled by the Manager alone.