Repair PDF: how it works
To repair a damaged PDF, open the Repair PDF tool and add the file; PDFER rebuilds the document structure in your browser and recovers what it can, then lets you download a re-saved copy. The corrupt file is never uploaded.
How to use Repair PDF
- Open the Repair PDF tool and add the damaged PDF.
- Let PDFER parse and rebuild the file structure locally.
- Download the recovered PDF.
In your browser vs. uploading to a server
Best as a first, private attempt at recovering a PDF that won't open. It can fix broken cross-reference tables and structure but cannot restore data that is physically missing from the file.
Frequently asked questions
Can a corrupted PDF be fixed for free?
- Often, yes. The Repair tool rebuilds the PDF's internal structure in your browser and re-saves it; if the underlying content survives, the file becomes openable again.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
- No. PDFER runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript. Your files are read into memory on your device, processed locally, and never sent to PDFER or any third party. Closing the tab or leaving the tool erases them from memory.
PDFER is a privacy-first PDF toolkit built by Kiril Urbonas. Every tool runs entirely in your browser — see our security model and privacy policy.