PDF Won't Open
Possible Causes
- File is corrupted
- Incompatible PDF version
- Missing PDF reader
- File is password-protected
Solutions
- Update your PDF reader: Ensure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader or your preferred viewer
- Try a different reader: Some PDFs work better in specific applications
- Re-download the file: The file may have been corrupted during download
- Try repairing: Use Repair PDF to fix corrupted files
- Check for password: The sender may need to provide the password
Can't Select or Copy Text
Possible Causes
- PDF contains scanned images, not actual text
- Text copying is restricted by permissions
- Text is embedded as paths, not fonts
Solutions
- For scanned documents: Use OCR PDF to convert images to selectable text
- For restricted PDFs: Use Unlock PDF to remove copy restrictions (if you have permission)
- For path-based text: Use PDF to Word conversion which may extract the content
PDF Won't Print Correctly
Possible Causes
- Print restrictions enabled
- Missing fonts
- Complex graphics or transparency issues
- Paper size mismatch
Solutions
- Remove restrictions: Use Unlock PDF if printing is disabled
- Print as image: In print settings, select "Print as Image" to bypass font issues
- Flatten the PDF: Use Flatten PDF to simplify complex elements
- Check paper settings: Match your printer's paper size to the document
File Size Too Large
Common Causes
- High-resolution images
- Embedded fonts
- Multiple layers or annotations
- Inefficient compression
Solutions
- Compress the PDF: Use Compress PDF with "Recommended" or "Extreme" settings
- Remove unwanted pages: Delete blank or unnecessary pages with Remove Pages
- Crop margins: Use Crop PDF to remove excess whitespace
- Flatten annotations: Use Flatten PDF to merge layers
Fonts Look Wrong or Missing
Why This Happens
When fonts aren't embedded in the PDF, your system tries to substitute them with available fonts, often resulting in wrong characters or spacing.
Solutions
- Flatten the PDF: This converts text to graphics, preserving appearance but losing editability
- Request embedded version: Ask the creator to export with fonts embedded
- Install the missing fonts: If you know which fonts are needed
Pages Are Rotated Wrong
Solution
Use Rotate PDF to fix the orientation:
- Upload your PDF
- Select which pages to rotate
- Choose 90°, 180°, or 270° rotation
- Download the corrected file
PDF Is Blank or Shows Black Pages
Possible Causes
- Rendering issue with complex graphics
- Corrupted file
- Security restrictions hiding content
Solutions
- Try another viewer: The issue may be specific to one application
- Update graphics drivers: Display issues can be caused by outdated drivers
- Convert to images: Use PDF to JPG to see if content exists
- Re-export from source: If you have the original document, create a new PDF
Can't Fill In Form Fields
Possible Causes
- PDF is a flat image, not a fillable form
- Form fields are locked
- Reader doesn't support forms
Solutions
- Use a compatible reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader handles most forms
- Use Edit PDF: Add text directly to non-fillable PDFs with Edit PDF
- Request fillable version: Ask the sender for an actual fillable form
PDF Looks Blurry or Low Quality
Possible Causes
- Over-compression
- Low-resolution source images
- Display scaling issues
Solutions
- Zoom to 100%: Some viewers show blurry preview at lower zoom levels
- Request higher quality: Ask for a less-compressed version
- Check display settings: Ensure your screen scaling isn't causing issues
Multiple PDFs Need to Be Combined
Solution
Use Merge PDF to combine multiple files:
- Upload all your PDF files
- Drag to reorder if needed
- Click Merge
- Download the combined document
Prevention Tips
- Always embed fonts when creating PDFs
- Keep backups of important PDF files
- Use PDF/A format for long-term archiving - convert with PDF to PDF/A
- Test on multiple devices before sending important documents
- Don't over-compress if quality matters