How to use Repair PDF
Choose a PDF and run the tool to resave its document structure.
What the result contains
This may help with some readable files, but cannot recover every damaged or encrypted PDF.
Practical tip
Keep a copy of the original and check every page in the new file.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
No account is needed to run this tool.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Repair PDF runs in your browser, so your file is processed on your own device and is not uploaded to our server. The page only downloads the free code libraries it needs.
Should I check the downloaded file?
Yes. Open the result and confirm its pages and content before sharing or deleting your original.
When to try Repair PDF
- "There was an error opening this document": a file opens in one viewer but not another.
- Upload rejected: a website or portal says your PDF is invalid or can't be read.
- Interrupted downloads: a file that was saved or emailed and now behaves oddly.
- Old or unusual files: PDFs made by older software that newer tools struggle with.
Good to know before you start
Repair PDF reads your file and saves it again with a fresh, clean structure. This often fixes files that are readable but slightly broken.
It can't bring back content that is missing from the file, and it can't open password-protected PDFs. If your file has a password, use Unlock PDF first.
Always keep the original file and check every page of the repaired copy.
If repair doesn't work
- Download or copy the file again from where it came from. Many "broken" PDFs are just incomplete downloads.
- Open it in a different viewer, such as your browser, and use Print → Save as PDF to make a new copy.
- Ask the sender for a fresh copy.
Why use PDFCloudy
Your file is repaired on your own device and never uploaded, with no account required.
More questions about repairing PDFs
Can it fix a PDF that shows 0 KB?
No. A 0 KB file is empty, so there is nothing to repair. Get a new copy of the file.
Will the repaired file look different?
It should look the same. Check each page, especially forms and images.
Can repairing make the file smaller?
Sometimes a little. For a real reduction, use Compress PDF.
A website still rejects my PDF. What else can I try?
Some portals need an archive format. Try PDF to PDF/A.