Repair PDF
Repair damaged PDF structure or recover readable pages
How to use Repair PDF
Repair PDF structure, recover visible pages, or reflow overlapping selectable text into a readable document.
- Choose a PDF up to 256 MB. For overlapping text, choose Recover readable text: it extracts text in drawing order, removes duplicate runs at the same position and lays it out with fresh spacing. Try top-to-bottom order if the PDF drawing order is scrambled.
- For damaged cross-references or trailers, choose Repair structure. For a static copy of visible pages, choose Rebuild pages. These two methods preserve existing layout and cannot separate overlapping text.
- Review the displayed output, source-page references and any skipped pages before downloading. Sample PDFs include overlapping text, a clean reference and a damaged cross-reference offset.
What to check before using the result
Text recovery changes layout and does not copy images, links or interactive forms. It reports pages without selectable text or supported characters; image-only content needs OCR. Reading order depends on the source PDF and should be reviewed. Repair cannot recreate missing bytes or certify a file malware-free. Rebuild pages removes selectable text, interactive content and original metadata. PDFs needing an opening password must be unlocked first. Rewriting changes signed bytes, so existing digital signatures need re-signing.
Common questions
Where does Repair PDF process my document?
This tool processes your document in your browser. There is no document upload to the application server for this operation. Download the result to keep your own copy.
Can I use Repair PDF on my phone?
Open Repair PDF in a modern mobile browser and use the same document controls. Large files and image-heavy documents can take longer on a phone; a desktop browser is useful when you need more screen space.
Is a CreatePDF account required?
No CreatePDF account is needed. Core PDF operations do not add a watermark. Download any output you need to retain.