Recover Corrupted PDF Files
PDF corruption happens when file structure becomes damaged during saving, transfer, or storage. PDFRepair analyzes the internal structure and attempts to rebuild missing or broken components.
Common Signs of Corruption
- File won't open
Reader shows "file is damaged" or "format error"
- Scrambled text
Content appears garbled, replaced with symbols, or displays incorrectly
- Missing pages
Some pages don't render or show blank
- Upload rejection
Systems reject the file even though it opens locally
- Unexpected file size
File is much smaller or larger than expected
What Causes PDF Corruption
PDFs can become corrupted through multiple pathways:
Recovery Approach
PDFRepair uses multiple recovery strategies depending on the damage type detected:
- 1Structural rebuild: Reconstructs cross-reference tables and object streams
- 2Header repair: Fixes malformed PDF headers and trailers
- 3Content extraction: Attempts to preserve readable content when structure is severely damaged
Recovery is probabilistic. Files with extensive damage or missing content blocks may not be fully recoverable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all corrupted PDFs be recovered?
No. Recovery depends on what data remains intact. If the file header and content streams are readable, recovery often succeeds. If core content is missing or overwritten, recovery may not be possible.
Will the recovered file look exactly like the original?
Not always. Recovered files may have formatting differences, missing fonts, or simplified layouts depending on what was damaged. Content should remain readable if recovery succeeds.
How do I know if recovery worked?
PDFRepair shows you the recovery status immediately after processing. You can verify the result before choosing to pay and download.
Is my file kept private?
Yes. Files are processed automatically and deleted within 24 hours. We do not view, analyze, or retain your documents. See our privacy policy for details.