Restore or repair PDF
Your PDF document is not usable if it is damaged or corrupted. Depending on how the PDF file is damaged, it can be repaired! You can repair it for free using the free service from iLovePDF.
What causes my file to become corrupted?
There are several reasons why a PDF file can become corrupted. Here are some common causes:
Incomplete download: If the PDF file is not fully downloaded, it can become corrupt.
File transfer errors: Errors during the copying or transferring of files from one medium to another can lead to corrupted PDFs.
Damaged storage media: Issues with hard drives, USB sticks, or other storage devices can cause PDF files to become corrupt.
Software errors: Bugs in the software used to create, edit, or read the PDF can result in corrupted files.
Improper program shutdown: Unexpected software shutdowns or system crashes while saving a PDF can damage the file.
Network issues: Problems during the transmission of PDF files over a network can lead to incomplete or corrupted files.
Viruses and Malware: Malicious software can damage or alter PDF files.
Incorrect conversions: Errors during the conversion of files to the PDF format can result in corrupted files.
Lack of space during saving: A shortage of storage space while saving a PDF file can lead to an incomplete or corrupted file.
Compression issues: Errors during the compression or decompression of a PDF file can cause the file to become corrupted.
How do I repair or recover my PDF file?
If you have a corrupted PDF file, there are several ways to try and recover it:
Use PDF Repair Software:
There are various tools available such as PDF Repair Tool, Stellar Repair for PDF, and Kernel for PDF Repair specifically designed to repair corrupted PDF files.
Online Repair Services:
Websites like iLovePDF, PDF2Go, and Sejda offer online tools to repair corrupted PDF files. Upload your file and follow the instructions to attempt a repair.
Restore from Backup:
If you regularly make backups, check to see if you have an uncorrupted version of the PDF file in your backup.
Adobe Acrobat Pro:
Open the corrupted PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro and use the built-in repair options.
Go to File > Save as Other > Optimized PDF to try and repair the file.
Convert to Another Format and Back:
Try converting the corrupted PDF file to another format (such as Word or image) and then convert it back to PDF. This can sometimes fix corruption.
Use tools like Adobe Acrobat or online converters.
Open with an Alternative PDF Reader:
Try opening the PDF file with a different PDF reader such as Foxit Reader, Sumatra PDF, or Nitro PDF Reader. Sometimes other programs can handle corrupted files better.
Contact the Sender:
If the file was sent to you, contact the sender and ask if they can resend the file.
Use a Hex Editor:
For advanced users: use a hex editor like HxD to open the PDF file and check for obvious errors or incompletions in the file structure. This requires technical knowledge of PDF files.
Use System Restore Points:
If the PDF file was recently corrupted, try using Windows System Restore or Mac Time Machine to revert your computer to an earlier state when the file was not corrupted.
Tips to Prevent Corruption in the Future:
Make Regular Backups: Ensure you regularly back up important files.
Use Reliable Software: Work with reliable PDF software and avoid unsafe or illegal programs.
Regularly Check Storage Media: Make sure your storage media such as hard drives and USB sticks are functioning properly.
Be Cautious with Email Attachments: Do not open suspicious email attachments and use antivirus software to protect your computer from malware.
IlovePDF
iLovePDF is the number one web application to edit PDFs easily. This software is used by millions of people to edit PDFs. You can very easily upload your PDF files and then download them - partially or not - repaired. So you can repair your PDF documents in no time.
Please note! Unfortunately, it is not always possible to repair a PDF file completely.
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