Some QR codes aren't being shown in PDF files

Report · Jan 17, 2025

Hi,

Within some PDF documents, I can't see the QR code and it gives me the following error message:

"Insufficient data for an image."

I can click on learn more, and it'll show me a few steps I can take to try to resolve the issue, but none of these steps seem to help. (update Adobe, change a few settings etc.)

If I open the same file on Adobe Acrobat (non-pro version), it works fine and I can see the QR code.

But with Adobe Acrobat Pro, I can't see the QR code.

The only difference I can find where the QR code does show, is the file size, but the difference is very small; 35KB~

Please advise/assist.

Kind regards,

Peter

Report · Jan 30, 2025

Hello,

I hope you're doing well, and we apologize for the delayed response and the trouble.

Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 24.005.2039x Planned update, Jan 23, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and check.
For more information, see this: https://adobe.ly/4hcprty.

You can also try the solution shared in this article: https://adobe.ly/3WG2wi7

Also, Check the Barcode Field Properties in Acrobat. For more info on this, see this article: https://adobe.ly/3WETPVi

Adjust PDF Viewing Settings: Sometimes, display issues can arise from specific settings in Adobe Acrobat or Reader. For instance, turning off the 'Smooth Line Art' option can resolve problems where lines or graphics don't render correctly. To do this:

Open Acrobat or Reader.
Navigate to Edit > Preferences (Windows) or Acrobat > Preferences (Mac).
Select the 'Page Display' category.
Uncheck the 'Smooth Line Art' option.
Click 'OK' to apply the changes.

More information on this adjustment can be found here: https://adobe.ly/4heC9YZ

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

Report · Feb 03, 2025

Hi @Peter385709551mlo

Would it be possible for you to share any test pdf where QR code is not showing proerly for investigation.

Please also share the Adobe Acrobat version you have

Regards

Ravi

Report · Feb 05, 2025

Hello,

Thank you for replying. I have tried the above solutions, but the problem still persists sadly.

Please see attachments for one of the files I am experiencing issues with.

My adobe acrobat pro version is: 2024.005.20399

Many thanks for your assistance.

Kind regards,

Peter

Report · Aug 06, 2025

Hi @Peter385709551mlo,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry for the delayed response.

We are live with a new update (2025.001.20577) which has multiple stability and performance enhancements.

Would you mind updating the app to the latest version and letting us know if the issue is fixed for you?

To do so, go to Menu > Help > Check for Updates.

Regards,
Souvik.

Report · Aug 06, 2025

Not sure how much help this will prove to be, either to you or Adobe, but I ran the attached through https://www.ilovepdf.com/repair-pdf and the result is a larger file size, possibly suggesting something adrift with the way the QR codes were embedded?

Preflighting says the QR codes are JPEG2000, if that means anything to anyone.