badloDoes your PDF refuse to open or show errors after a bad download? Upload it, and we'll rebuild the file's structure and save every page we can read.
How to use the Repair PDF
- Upload the damaged PDF.
- Press the button to repair it.
- Open the repaired file and check its pages.
What to expect
Fixes file structure
Interrupted downloads often damage the file's index. That part can usually be rebuilt.
Honest about limits
Pages whose data is truly missing can't be brought back. If nothing can be read, you'll be told.
Check the result
Open the repaired copy and compare it with what you expected before relying on it.
Try these first
- Download the file again, as the first copy may have been cut off.
- Open it in another PDF reader or browser.
- Ask the sender for a new copy if you can.
Signs a PDF may be repairable
| What you see | Chance of a fix |
|---|---|
| An error about the file's format or structure | Good, as this part can often be rebuilt |
| The file stopped downloading early | Partial. Only pages that arrived can be saved, so download it again if you can |
| The file is 0 KB | None, as there's nothing inside to recover |
| It asks for a password | This isn't damage. Use Unlock PDF if you know it |
After the repair
Go through every page of the new file, because a page can open and still be missing content. If a page is blank, see whether the sender has a clean copy. Read our guide to fixing a corrupted PDF for other things to try.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fix a corrupted PDF?
Upload it here and press the button. If the file can be read, a repaired copy downloads.
Can every PDF be repaired?
No. If much of the file is missing or overwritten, those pages can't be recovered. Try downloading the original again.
Can you open a password-protected PDF?
No. Remove the password first with Unlock PDF, if the file is yours or you have permission.
Is my file kept?
Your files are only used for this job and are deleted from the server afterwards.
What causes PDF damage?
Usually an interrupted download or transfer, a failing disk, or an email system that altered the attachment.
Helpful guides
- How to Fix a PDF That Won't OpenSimple checks to try first, how to repair a file, and when it can't be saved.
- Scanned PDF vs Digital PDF: How to Tell the DifferenceA 10-second test to tell them apart, and why it decides what you can convert.
