How the repair works
A PDF has an index that tells viewers where each page is. When that index or part of the file is damaged, viewers say the file is corrupt. Rebuild the file reads whatever it can find and writes a fresh, tidy PDF. If that fails, Save pages as pictures draws every page it can still read and builds a new PDF from the pictures.
Set your expectations
- Light damage (a bad index, a broken ending) is often fixable.
- If a download was cut off, the missing part is gone. Download the file again if you can.
- Pictures mode loses selectable text but keeps how the pages look.
After repairing
Make the repaired file smaller with Compress PDF, or join it with others using Merge PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The repair attempt runs in your browser.
Will this fix every broken PDF?
No. It fixes common structure problems such as a damaged index. Files that are cut off, empty or heavily corrupted may not be recoverable, and no tool can promise otherwise.
What is the difference between the two methods?
Method 1 rebuilds the file (and, if the ending of the file is missing, finds the pages again) and keeps text and quality. Method 2 draws each readable page as a picture and builds a new PDF from those pictures. It saves more broken files, but the text can no longer be selected.
Can it unlock a password protected PDF?
No. This tool does not remove passwords. Open the file with the password in your PDF viewer and save an unprotected copy.
My file downloaded half way and will not open.
A cut-off download is missing data that cannot be invented. Try downloading the original again.