or drop a PDF here · up to 95 MB
Files are deleted as soon as they are done
How to repair a PDF
- Choose the broken PDF. Select it or drop it into the box.
- Click Repair PDF. The file is checked and rebuilt, first with qpdf and then with Ghostscript if needed.
- Download. Open the repaired PDF and check the pages.
Why PDFs get damaged
A download that stopped early, an email attachment that was cut, a USB stick pulled out too soon, or a program that crashed while saving can all leave a PDF with a broken index (the "xref table") or a missing end. Readers then say "There was an error opening this document" or "The file is damaged and could not be repaired".
What can be recovered
When only the index or the end of the file is broken, which is the most common case, the whole document usually comes back. If parts of the file are missing, the pages that are still there are saved. A file that is completely empty, or is not really a PDF, cannot be repaired.
Tips
If you can, download the file again or ask the sender for a new copy first. After repairing, you can make the file smaller with Compress PDF or turn it into an archive-safe file with PDF to PDF/A.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fix a corrupted PDF?
Select the PDF here and click Repair PDF. The structure of the file is rebuilt and you download a working copy.
Is PDF repair free?
Yes, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can every PDF be repaired?
No. Files with a broken index or a missing end are usually fixed completely; files that are mostly missing or empty cannot be recovered.
Is my file kept?
No. It is processed over HTTPS and deleted as soon as the repair finishes.
Can I repair a password-protected PDF?
Unlock it first with Unlock PDF, then repair it.