PDF files are one of the most common formats used for sharing digital documents safely. The reason is that they can preserve the layout and formatting of the file on every software or device. Despite being a reliable format, they get damaged and show missing text or error messages. To repair such files, users utilize tools like iLovePDF Repair, which offers an effective solution.
Other than repairing, many users wonder why these files get corrupted despite being in a safe format, and this article discusses just that. You will learn about the most common causes and the steps to repair them easily. Furthermore, the article discusses the risks involved with such online tools and why some prefer alternatives like Repairit. Finally, you will learn about the best practices to keep your PDFs safe.
In this article
Part 1. Why Do PDFs Get Corrupted Despite Being a Secure Format?
Before moving to the use of the iLovePDF repair PDF feature, let’s learn some of the most common reasons for file corruption:
- Incomplete Downloads: When you are downloading a PDF file, and the internet connection suddenly stops, your files may not be usable. This issue is common while downloading large files over a weak internet connection.
- Power Failures: If there is a sudden power loss while saving a file, the saving process may not be completed. The files remain in an unfinished state and are at risk of getting corrupted.
- Malware: A harmful software can infect your system and files, including PDFs. This can happen when you download a PDF from an unknown source, which could carry malware.
- Storage Device Fault: Using broken USB drives or hard disks to store PDF files can result in corruption. If the storage device has bad sectors or hardware problems, the file may not be saved properly.
- Unsupported Features: Some PDF files include special content like videos, forms, or any kind of links. So, when you try opening these files with software that supports basic PDF features, you might see errors, or the file may stop working.
Part 2. What is the iLovePDF Repair Feature? How to Use It
It is an online platform that offers different solutions for managing your PDF files. One of its valuable features is iLovePDF repair, which fixes files that won't open properly. When a file becomes corrupted, this tool tries to fix it by rewriting the missing parts. It is helpful for those unwilling to install extra software on their system.
Since it works directly from a browser, you can access this tool to repair your files just by having an active internet connection. Though it can repair mildly damaged files, deeply damaged files may not be restored successfully. Still, it is an easy and quick way of fixing your files, and below are the steps to do so:
Step 1. Reach the “Repair PDF” page of the online tool and tap on the “Select a PDF File” button to get started.

Step 2. Once the PDF file is uploaded from your storage, click the "Repair PDF” button to initiate the fix.

Step 3. In a few moments, the file will be restored, and you need to press the “Download File” button to conclude the operation.

Part 3. Risks Associated with Online PDF Repair Tools
After learning about the iLovePDF repair PDF feature in detail, it is time to talk about the risks involved with these online tools:
- Privacy Problems: When you upload a file to an online tool, it may be stored on their servers. If the PDF contains sensitive information, there is a risk that someone might access it.
- Data Risks: Online platforms can be targeted by hackers, which can lead to serious consequences. In case the service is ever hacked, your uploaded documents with sensitive information could be stolen.
- File Size Limitations: Most online tools limit the size of the PDF you can upload for free. Larger files that contain detailed information might be rejected or require a paid upgrade.
- Internet: These tools require a stable internet connection, which makes them unreliable in places with poor connectivity. If your connection is weak, you will not be able to repair your files completely.
- Limited Repair: Many of these online repair tools can recover only moderate damage to the files. So, when a PDF is deeply corrupted or missing large sections, the tool may not be able to recover it.
Part 4. Why Many Users Prefer Repairit Over iLovePDF?
The last section discussed the risks involved with using the iLovePDF repair feature. Now, you will learn its feature comparison with another efficient file repair tool called Repairit File Repair.
Feature | iLovePDF | Repairit |
Repair Method | Works as an online tool, and you need to upload your data online | Operates as an offline software, so your data remains on your device. |
Privacy | Uploading sensitive information might pose a risk. | Has 20 years of marketing expertise and does not require an active internet connection. |
File Size Limit | Imposes a limitation on file size, especially for the free version. | There is no limit on the file size, and you can repair complex PDF files. |
Supported Corruption | Works best for smaller-level corruption. | Can handle deeply corrupted files, including those with missing elements. |
Additional Features | Also features the ability to combine or convert PDFs. | It offers batch repair and preview features and supports Excel, PowerPoint, and Word formats. |
Customer Support | Assistance may not be readily available for complex problems. | Provides dedicated customer support to assist with any issues during the repair process. |
Cost | Free to use with basic features, while premium options are available. | Paid software with a free trial is available, which offers comprehensive features. |
From the table, it is clear that a comprehensive solution like Repairit can meet the demands of your projects more easily. It does not compromise your data's safety, and you can repair files of any size.
Part 5. 5 Best Practices to Prevent PDF File Corruption
Since you have gone through a comprehensive table comparing Repairit with the iLovePDF repair PDF feature, let us discuss preventing PDF corruption. There are many practices that you can try to secure your files from getting corrupted, and a few are given here:
- Regular Backups: Always keep backup copies of your important PDF files on multiple devices or cloud storage platforms. When your file gets corrupted, having a backup means you can quickly recover your documents without stress.
- Use Reliable Storage: Store PDF files on trustworthy storage devices like SSDs or quality external hard drives. Avoid using old USB drives that frequently disconnect or show errors.
- Avoid Interrupted Transfers: When transferring PDF files between devices, ensure the process completes without interruptions. Power failures or unstable internet connections can all result in incomplete or corrupted files.
- Software Update: Regularly update your PDF readers, as the updates often include important security patches and bug fixes. Outdated software may not support newer file features, leading to corruption.
- Editing in Unreliable Tools: You should only use reputable PDF editors to open and modify your files. Poorly coded software may introduce errors, so sticking with trusted tools is an excellent prevention.
Conclusion
To sum things up, iLovePDF Repair is a reliable tool for quickly repairing minor file corruption. The guide discussed the main reasons for file damage and the step-by-step repair process. However, there are certain risks involved with these online tools that you need to consider. Alternatively, you should use effective solutions like Repairit that have a software version to protect your privacy.
FAQ
Q1. Are free PDF repair tools effective?
These tools are effective for minor corruption issues in your files. One good example of such a tool is iLovePDF, which offers basic repair functions that work well for simple errors.Q2. How can I check if a PDF is corrupted?
When you see an error like “There was an error opening this document,” there is a chance that the file may be damaged. Other signs that can be caused by damage are missing elements and unreadable text.Q3. Can I repair a PDF file without using online tools?
Using software like Repairit, you can easily restore your files in multiple formats, including PDF. This tool has an easy interface and does not impose any limit on the size of the file.