Repair PDF
Repair corrupted or damaged PDF files in your browser. Rebuild a broken PDF structure, or recover readable pages. Free, no upload, no signup.
Use the interactive tool to choose your files and create a download. JavaScript is required for local processing. No account needed.
How to repair a corrupted PDF
- Choose the damaged PDF, up to 300 MB.
- Press Repair PDF. The bundled repair engine rebuilds the file structure on your device.
- Download the repaired copy and open it to check every page.
Many “file is damaged and could not be repaired” errors come from a broken index (cross-reference table), a cut-off download or a faulty export. WaterPDF rebuilds that structure and keeps text, links and forms where they can be read. If the structure cannot be rebuilt, it recovers the pages that can still be shown, as pictures. Your file is not uploaded and the original is not changed.
Before you get started
How do I fix a corrupted PDF for free?
Choose the PDF above and press Repair PDF. It runs in your browser, needs no signup and does not upload the file. Then open the repaired copy to check it.
My PDF says “the file is damaged and could not be repaired”.
That message usually means the PDF index is broken or the file was cut off while downloading or copying. Repair PDF rebuilds the index. If the end of the file is missing, pages that were lost cannot be brought back; download the file again if you can.
Will repairing keep my text and links?
Yes, when the structure can be rebuilt: the repaired copy keeps selectable text, links and form fields that could be read. Only in the last-resort recovery are pages kept as pictures, and the result says so.
Can it repair a password-protected PDF?
Open Unlock PDF first with the correct password, then repair the unlocked copy.
Are my documents uploaded?
No. Selected file contents are processed in your browser. Normal page requests still reach the hosting provider. Use a trusted device and keep your originals.