Is a broken PDF disrupting your workflow? Don’t worry—we’re here to help you fix it and get back to work!
PDFs are essential for academic papers, contracts, and reports. However, when corrupted, you cannot open them correctly and may lose data. But don’t panic. Wondershare Repairit lets you fix corrupted PDFs with just a few clicks. Best of all, it’s now available online for faster recovery.
This article explores how to fix a PDF file with Repairit and four additional methods. Whether your document crashes or loads with missing elements, we’ll help you fix it fast and hassle-free!
Part 1. What are the Common Problems that Corrupt a PDF File?
A corrupted PDF file leaves you searching for answers. You might wonder why your PDF file is broken and not opening correctly. Here are some key factors that contribute to it:
- Interrupted Downloads: Your PDF download might be interrupted due to a weak internet connection or power outage. It can make your PDF unreadable.
- Faulty Storage Media: Your PDF is saved in corrupted hard disks, USB, or memory cards, causing the damage.
- Malware Infection: Malicious software deliberately corrupted or accidentally damaged the PDF file structure.
- Software Errors: Sometimes, the tools you use to create, edit, or view PDFs have bugs. These cause formatting issues and a corrupted file.
- Compatibility Issues: You’re opening old PDF files with newer software. This mismatch can lead to compatibility errors.
Understanding these reasons, let’s move ahead and explore how to fix PDF files.
Part 2. Fix Damaged or Corrupted PDF Files Instantly with Repairit File Repair
A corrupted PDF file fails to open even with its native application. When the file does open, you might notice a change in its formatting with missing text, images, or unclickable hyperlinks. Sometimes, there is garbled text, and the file is unreadable entirely. This can be frustrating.
That’s where Wondershare Repairit can help. With Repairit File Repair, you can fix your broken or corrupted PDF files, no matter the reason behind their corruption. With its recent online version launch, Repairit provides convenient access to file repair tools anytime, anywhere.
Key Features of Repairit File Repair
- Easy to Use: A simple interface that makes file repairs quick and easy.
- Precise Repairs: Fix corrupted PDF files without changing the original content.
- Restore Everything: Recover PDF text, hyperlinks, forms, graphs, and more.
- Supports All PDF Versions: Supports PDF versions 1.2 to 1.7.
- Batch-Repair: Allows repairing multiple PDFs with other files like Word and Excel.
- Multi-Device Recovery: Repairs files from storage devices like USB, cameras, phones, and SD cards.
- Platform Support: Available online and for Windows and Mac platforms.
How to Repair a PDF File with Repairit File Repair
Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Repairit. Launch it and select “More Types Repair” from the left. Then, choose “File Repair.”
Step 2. Click “+Add” to import your PDF. Alternatively, drag and drop it directly to the interface.
Step 3. Wait for your files to upload. Then, click “Repair” at the bottom right.
Step 4. Wait for the repair to complete. Then, select “Preview” to review the fixed PDF. If satisfied, click “Save” to store it in your desired location.
That’s how to fix PDF file corruption with Repairit! You can fix multiple PDFs at once and in just four easy steps! Plus, the repair process is automatic and requires no manual effort.
Part 3. How to Fix Damaged PDF Files Manually [4 Simple Methods]
Are you looking for manual ways to fix your PDFs without using a third-party tool? No worries! We’ve put together four other repair methods you can try instead.
Method 1. Update the PDF Software
Are your PDF files not opening, showing errors, or crashing? If so, outdated software might be the underlying issue. Updating the PDF software should fix the issue.
Here’s how to fix a PDF file with this method.
Step 1. Open the PDF software you’re using. It could be Adobe Acrobat or any other application.
Step 2. For Acrobat, click the “Menu” option from the top left. Then click “Help” from the list.
Step 3. Select “Check for Updates” from the list. Wait for the software to look for the latest updates.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen guidelines to install the updates that appear.
Method 2. Repair Installation
Sometimes, the installation files of PDF software might be corrupted or accidentally deleted. Repairing installation restores these files and fixes the issue.
Here’s how it works.
Step 1. If you’re using Acrobat, launch it. Then click “Menu > Help > Repair Installation.”
Step 2. You can also repair the installation in Windows settings. To do this, go to “Start > Settings > Apps.”
Step 4. Find your PDF software from the list of apps under the Apps & Features section.
Step 5. Click on the PDF application’s name and choose “Modify.”This will offer a repair option within the app’s settings.
Method 3. Convert the PDF to Word
Do you have some essential information in the PDF you cannot afford to lose? If so, you can convert the PDF to Word using your PDF software or online tools. It is not a direct fix. But it lets you save the file’s content as long as you can still open it.
Step 1. Launch Acrobat and open the corrupted PDF.
Step 2. Click “Menu” in the top left. Choose “Convert to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint” from the options.
Step 3. Select “Microsoft Word” from the dropdown under the “Export PDF to” section. Then, click “Convert.”
Method 4. Change the Default File Association
Are your PDF documents opening in Word instead of your preferred PDF reader? If so, you might notice formatting issues or garbled text. These issues might be mistaken for file corruption but are easy to fix. Here’s how:
Step 1. Find your PDF and right-click on it. Then, choose “Open with” from the context menu.
Step 2. Select a PDF application to open the PDF. If you don’t see your preferred software, click “Choose another app.”
Step 3. Select your desired app from the list. Checkmark the option “Always use this app to open the .pdf file.” Then click “OK.”
Step 4. If your app is not on the list, click “More apps > Look for another app on this PC.” Then, select the app you need.
That’s all about how to fix PDF files that are damaged or corrupted manually. Let’s move ahead and find ways to avoid PDF issues in the future.
Part 5. Pro Tips for Managing PDF Files Effectively
What’s better than fixing a broken PDF? Not letting it break in the first place! Here’s how to manage them effectively so they stay error-free and ready to view effortlessly on any platform.
- Stick with Trusted PDF Tools
Always use a reputable tool to manage your PDFs. You can read the app’s reviews or test it in the trial period to understand how it works.
- Keep Your Software Updated
Regular updates protect you against compatibility problems and security risks. You can open and edit the latest file formats without a hitch.
- Scan for Malware Before Opening
If the PDF comes from an unfamiliar source, use an antivirus tool or Windows Defender to scan it for hidden threats.
- Transfer Files Safely
Use secure email services, cloud sharing, or clean USB drives for safe file transfers. This will help keep your PDFs free of viruses and damage.
- Shrink Large PDFs
Use compression tools to trim down bulky PDFs without sacrificing quality. Smaller files are easier to share and store, making life much simpler.
Conclusion
That wraps up our guide on how to fix a PDF file when corrupted or broken. You can fix the issue using simple manual methods. While these can be effective, they may not always work.
For a more reliable and effective solution, try Repairit File Repair to fix your damaged PDFs easily. With automatic file repair and support for online and desktop platforms, you can revive your documents hassle-free.