How to fix "format Error: not a PDF or corrupted"

Report · Jul 11, 2014

Two days back, I have received an email with PDF file attachment. When I tried to open PDF file, it shows an error message which says: "format error: not a PDF or corrupted"

I was surprised to see such error message and thought hope it was not a virus file as attached PDF. Immediately I have called to my friend who is expert in handling PDF file error matters. My friend suggested me it may not be virus file. It could be possible that PDF file got corrupted so he suggested me to open PDF file in foxit PDF reader which is an alternative of adobe reader then I install the foxit pdf reader, & try to open "corrupt" pdf files.

When I tried to open it in foxit reader, again it shows same error message.

Report · Jul 11, 2014

Sending e-documents as email attachments is a notoriously unsafe way of transferring data: docs can get lost, misdirected, or corrupted.

Ask the sender of that PDF to use a file sharing service (such as https://cloud.acrobat.com/), upload and share the document, then send the download link via email.

Sorry, once such a document has become corrupted, there is no easy way to repair it.

Report · Aug 09, 2014

I just answered on a thread which is somewhat related to your query. I suggest you to visit the link i shared. on Re: How to Repair a Damaged PDF File

Report · Dec 16, 2015

Sometimes when you try to open the pdf file you get an error messages stated as: “format error: not a PDF or corrupted”. It completely surprises you and when you get this error you just simply want to get back all your data. Following are the common reasons behind getting this error:

• Due to the network issue.

• Issue with your Browser

• The file got corrupted

• Improper download

However, you can easily fix this error by making use of any repair tool. PDF Repair Tool is one of the tool that can fix this kind of error related to PDF files. For more information, please visit: