Top 4 Tools to Fix PDF File Unreadable Issues Online

Working with PDF files is convenient and secure as it has proven to be an ideal format or medium for presenting and exchanging important data. But occasionally you might end up dealing with a damaged or corrupted PDF document, rendering it difficult to open or entirely unreadable PDF. You might receive the message “There was an error opening this document”, or “File not readable with your software”.

There’s nothing to be anxious about. Such issues arise now and then and are repairable with proper knowledge. Without much of a hassle, you can turn your unreadable PDF to readable and damage-free file.

If this blog has reached you it means you’re already deep into your search for the solution to the problem of a PDF file unreadable. We have managed to put together tools and methods to help you get rid of your troubles with your PDF files.

Part 1. Best Recommended Tools to Fix PDF File Unreadable Issue in 2024

PDF files, like all other files, can be damaged or corrupted. This is where a PDF repair tool comes in handy, allowing you to fix PDFs online and recover damaged or compromised PDF files back to their original status.

There are numerous PDF repair software tools on the market nowadays, but we believe Wondershare Repairit remains by far the most effective of them.

In this blog, we'll go over why need for PDF repair software along with how to make use of tools like Wondershare Repairit for PDF document repair.

Recommendation 01: Wondershare Repairit Online File Repair

We strongly suggest Wondershare Repairit Online for corrupted PDF document repair because it is capable of recovering text, graphics, references, annotations, forms, and numerous other aspects from damaged PDFs.

Repairit additionally facilitates to repair PDF documents in batches, which allows individuals to repair PDF files online simultaneously. Moreover, the PDF repair software allows customers to inspect the fixed files before saving them.

Key Features

• Fix all the PDF document materials without modification to the primary document, including the internal content, Image names, forms, headers, footers, visualizations, and watermarks.
• Supports PDF document variations 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7.
• The online version allows individuals to fix up to 300 documents monthly and supports every single one for a maximum of 300M online.
• Files get transmitted over a 2048-bit encrypted Image name and removed immediately following three hours.
• It repairs PDF files online without compromising their primary standard or credibility.

Procedure

Following is the PDF document repair process on Wondershare Repairit Online File Repair:

Step 1. Visit the official site of Wondershare Repairit Online and add your corrupted files.

Upload your damaged files by clicking the "Add" button after you’ve reached the professional interface.

Step 2. Repairit will then let you submit your damaged file (Word, Excel, PPT, or PDF files) by tapping on the “+Add” option.

Step 3. The repair process will begin when you’ve selected the Repair option after which the files will be scanned for any type of issues. Repair progress will also be visible with an option to cancel anytime.

Step 4. Preview and save your repaired files.

Preview to check the files have been fixed as per your needs. Once sure, export them by clicking “Save” at your desired location on your system.

Pros

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files are among the accepted formats for files.
• Multiple files can be repaired at the same time, also known as batch repair.
• The user interface is very well optimized.
• It works reasonably well on both the Mac and Windows mediums, as well as online.
• Reduce your system's resource usage.
• There is a free trial version for 5 MB.

Cons

• The trial version has a limit to the file size and number.

iLovePDF

iLovePDF is an economical online PDF editor that lets you alter, transform, merge, minimize, split, unlock, sign, comment, as well as watermark PDF files. With over 200 million users worldwide, it is a popular tool.

You may use it through any device such as a smartphone or computer that has an internet connection. Additionally, there is also a premium version with extra functionality, but it remains free to use.

Key Features

• Text, images, and references can be added to PDF files using iLovePDF. It can also remove hyperImage names, images, and text.
• iLovePDF allows for converting PDF files to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or JPEG formats.
• iLovePDF can compress PDF files, reducing their size.
• iLovePDF allows you to access password-protected PDF documents.
• You can use iLovePDF for digitally signing PDF files.
• Using iLovePDF, you can annotate PDF files with feedback, key points, and notes.

Procedure

Step 1. Go to the Repair PDF online tool on the official site of iLovePDF.

The repair PDF online option will take you to storage in your computer to select the file to be uploaded that needs repairing. You can select your file from device storage Google Drive, or Dropbox account.

Step 2. Click on the “Repair PDF” option.

Step 3. To gain access to your repaired document, select Download file. You may additionally keep the file on Google Drive or Dropbox.

Pros

• The platform is multi-tool capable.
• Reliable software provides safeguarding data, removal, and confidentiality.
• The interface is user-friendly.
• The majority of the plans are free, but there are premium options for businesses.
• Offers some exciting features.

Cons

• It is impossible to edit the primary material of a PDF.
• The file size limitation in the free version.

03: PDF2Go

An internet-based toolbox that functions to be a PDF editor and converter. This as well as many other services. PDF2GO consists of several different kinds of PDF tools that happen to have proven extremely useful for a variety of document tasks.

This program allows you to modify, minimize, combine, safeguard, divide, unlock, organize, remove, alter page dimensions, spin, fix, and more.

Key Features

• Convert PDFs to a variety of different file types, including Word and JPG.
• Fix PDFs online that are corrupted or damaged and will not open.
• Flip pages that had been scanned and uploaded to the system in the incorrect direction.
• PDF2Go supports file imports from Google Drive and Dropbox.
• Except for certain restrictions on file sizes, all PDF tools are free to use.
• You may access all of its primary PDF tools online.

Procedure

Step 1. Open PDF2GO Repair PDF and select the corrupt file

Head to the PDF2GO site and choose the option to Repair PDF online. Select a file from your computer's drive by clicking Choose File, or use the menu that appears to open files from Google Drive, Dropbox, or Image name.

Step 2. Select the damaged file and allow it to be added. To initiate the repair after completion, select "Start" on the same screen.

Wait for the repair to finish, then Download

As soon as a repair is finished, several choices for sharing and downloading will come up along with a Done notification. Either select Cloud Upload or click "Download".

Pros

• Text can be added and edited, highlighted, comments added, and shapes, arrows, and lines inserted.
• PDFs can be merged, split, and rotated.
• Makes it simple to password-protect as well as unlock PDFs.
• PDFs can be converted into a variety of formats.
• There will be no watermarks in any converted or edited PDFs.
• The files after conversion and editing are of high quality.
• The tool deletes every file within 24 hours.

Cons

• Sets file restrictions for non-paying users.
• The platform includes advertisements for free users.
• On insecure connections, privacy may be compromised.

Recommendation 04: Recovery Toolbox

It is a program for repairing and recovering data from corrupted PDF files. This software has an advanced recovery engine that helps retrieve data from PDF files, even pictures, and graphics, not sacrificing the quality of the contents.

Recovery Toolbox claims that it supports files in multiple versions and dimensions, thereby making it simple to correct an extensive variety of inaccuracies and store the information in a fresh PDF file.

Key Features

• Fully recovers PDF documents of every version or size.
• Has the ability to fix errors brought on by glitches within the PDF creation tools.
• Stores the recovered information in a fresh, compact, and accurately structured PDF file.
• Uses a sophisticated document analysis technique-based intelligent restoration engine to find and repair file errors.

Procedure

Step 1. Visit the official site and download PDF Repair software to your system.

Launch the downloaded software and pick out your damaged file to be repaired by clicking under “Please select or enter a Image name to recover”.

Step 2. Once the file is selected, click the “Next” button.

Step 3. A permission for recovery process would pop up, confirm with “Yes”.

Corrupt PDF would be read and analyzed for a while.

Step 4.Name your repaired file.

Step 5. Now you must choose the output PDF file version.

Finally, select the Save File option to save your repaired file.

Pros

• A simple, clutter-free interface that is easy to use.
• Every dimension and version of PDF files can be recovered.
• Compatible with every significant Windows operating system and version.
• A reasonable price.

Cons

• Cannot restore PDF files that are encrypted.
• Data from password-protected PDF files cannot be recovered.

Part 2. Other 4 Ways to Help Repair PDF Manually

Aside from using expert resources to fix PDF files unreadable, there are other options available. We've compiled a list of successful techniques to use once you've identified the underlying reason for your PDF becoming unreadable or corrupted.

01: Scan the Disk Drive

Windows includes a built-in utility for scanning and fixing disk errors, which can aid in getting rid of damaged or unreadable PDF files. The following is the way to use it:

1. Select "Properties" from the menu that appears when you right-click on the compromised drive. Select "Check" in the "Error-checking" part of the "Tools" menu after selecting it.
2. Click "Scan drive" to allow Windows to examine the drive and try fixing any issues that it finds.

   

02: Disable Antivirus

Although an antivirus program is meant to shield your system from dangers, occasionally it can unintentionally corrupt files or mess with their operations. To see whether the damaged / unreadable file issue is fixed, try turning off your antivirus software for a short while. If the problem is resolved, your antivirus software might need to be updated or reconfigured to avoid subsequent issues.

03: Reboot your PC

A system reboot can free up system resources, remove temporary files, and possibly resolve any small bugs causing the error. Try restarting your computer to see if the problem still exists before attempting more complex alternatives.

04: Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Failing RAM may trigger corruption and leave the file damaged and unreadable PDF. Use the System Memory Diagnostic Tool for verification of potential memory-related problems:

1. To access the "Run" dialog box, click your "Windows key + R".
2. Hit the "Enter" key after typing "mdsched.exe".

To run the RAM diagnostic test, adhere to the displayed directions.

run windows memory diagnostic tool

Part 3. Factors Leading to PDF Damage

• Corrupt PDF files can be caused by malicious files or viruses on the system.
• If your Internet connection is unsteady, the download process may fail or not finish. This leads to corruption and harms the file arrangement.
• Attempting to view a PDF file with an inappropriate program can end in damage or corruption.
• In case the PDF is saved on a contaminated hard drive, USB drive, or other type of storage, it may become corrupted.
• If your system crashes during the transfer operation, your PDF files can become compromised or corrupted.

Conclusion

By now you should be able to fix your corrupted PDF files and manage to make them readable. This blog summarizes all the possible factors causing the damage as well as their solutions from simple checks into your system to professional help such as Wondershare Repairit File Repair tool. Without erasing anything from the primary information, corrupted PDF files can be recovered and repaired with Wondershare Repairit, a dependable and efficient tool. With any luck, this blog will be helpful to you in choosing the best online PDF file repair tool for your files in PDF format.