What does Repair PDF do?
Repair PDF is a free online tool that can attempt to rebuild a broken PDF structure. The PDF result from Repair PDF is a separate copy to inspect before you use it elsewhere. One possible use is files with viewer errors rewritten for inspection.
PDF repair tries to write a new readable file from your PDF through Ghostscript. The engine may be able to read a damaged file that an ordinary viewer cannot open.
It then writes a new copy from the parts it could read, rather than restoring lost data. This can help with some file-structure faults, but missing pages or bytes cannot be promised back.
Keep the source in case you need to try another route later. When the new file opens, check it page by page rather than assuming that the fault is solved.
A readable file can still have gaps, changed fonts or a shifted layout. A readable first page is not enough evidence of a complete repair.
A damaged file may lose a later chart or a filled value. Note the old failure before making a new copy.
Compare that location after download. Ask the sender for the original if important content is missing.
Try to fix a damaged PDF online: steps
Before using Repair PDF, decide what the new copy must contain and where it will be used. Keep the damaged source and note which pages or parts fail when you try to open it. Review the upload area and all values required by the current Repair PDF form.
Choose the source
Inspect the last sheet as well as the opening page. For Repair PDF, choose one source from your device. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
The Repair PDF form has no extra task settings. Check the source in the file area.
Run the file task
Use Process Repair PDF after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Compare page count, words, images and forms in the new PDF, with special care around the original fault. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Rewrite file: uses for Repair PDF
Repair PDF can help with legacy pdfs tested for improved format support. It can also be used for partially readable reports checked in a new copy. The PDF result from Repair PDF must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- Files with viewer errors rewritten for inspection.
- Legacy PDFs tested for improved format support.
- Partially readable reports checked in a new copy.
- Rendering problems isolated before asking the sender for a replacement.
Formats and limits for Repair PDF
The Repair PDF form accepts PDF sources. Each Repair PDF upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the Repair PDF page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
Repair can fail or leave gaps in the text. A file that opens is not proof that all parts were saved.
How this tool works
Repair PDF uses Ghostscript to handle the source on the server. The Repair PDF request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by Repair PDF before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For Repair PDF, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
Repair PDF questions and answers
If Repair PDF gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from Repair PDF as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare Repair PDF with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using Repair PDF?
Compare a failed image area with a known good source. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try Flatten PDF?
Flatten PDF offers another task beside Repair PDF: rewrite a PDF with Ghostscript; inspect forms and annotations afterward. Flatten PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Repair PDF matches a listed input type for Flatten PDF.
Why try Web Optimize PDF?
Web Optimize PDF offers another task beside Repair PDF: linearize PDF for fast web viewing. Web Optimize PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Repair PDF matches a listed input type for Web Optimize PDF.
Why try PDF to PNG?
PDF to PNG offers another task beside Repair PDF: convert all PDF pages to PNG images (zipped). PDF to PNG returns ZIP. The stated PDF output from Repair PDF matches a listed input type for PDF to PNG.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed Repair PDF result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with Repair PDF?
Contact support with the Repair PDF page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.