How To Recover Deleted, Unsaved, or Corrupted PDF Files
The Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format created by Adobe in the 1990s that can independently encapsulate various elements like text, graphics, fonts, and multimedia content into a single file. This allows PDFs to be opened on any device or operating system without the need for a specific app, making them highly integrated, safe, and reliable. As a result, PDFs are widely used for sharing product manuals, e-books, contracts, and other documents, due to their ease of use and versatility.
While PDFs are convenient and easy to use, they can be frustratingly easy to lose, and if you accidentally delete them, format the partition/disk, or empty the recycle bin, you may be in the position of trying to salvage them. However, there is no need to despair, as you can easily recover PDFs on Mac or Windows PC with little knowledge and the right tools, and this guide will help you get them back.
- Quick Navigation
- Part 1. Is it possible to Recover An Unsaved or Deleted PDF File?
- Part 2. How to Recover An Unsaved PDF File
- Part 3. How to Recover Permanently Deleted PDF Files [Still applies to formatting drives and other common data loss.]
- Part 4. How to Restore Corrupted PDF Files Using Online Tools
- Part 5. Bonus Tip: How to Protect PDF files from Accidental Deletion and Corruption
- Part 6. Frequently Asked Questions for PDF Recovery
Is it possible to Recover An Unsaved or Deleted PDF File?
You can try recovering lost PDF files by checking the Recycle Bin or using backup software like File History, Time Machine, or iCloud. If that doesn't work, you can use adaptable data recovery software or the Autosave options in your tool, which may be able to recover unsaved files or remove unwanted ones, but only if certain conditions are met.
- 📁 I have not overwritten the space occupied by deleted PDF files with new data.
- ⛔ Make sure the device used for storing PDF files is not damaged physically. This includes checking the hard drive, external storage, or cloud storage for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or water damage.
- 💿 1. If you were not storing your PDF files on a TRIM-enabled SSD, you should disable TRIM immediately. This will give you a chance to recover deleted PDF files. 2.
To increase the chances of recovering a deleted PDF file, start the retrieval process as soon as possible. The longer the file remains deleted, the lower the chances of recovery.
How to Recover An Unsaved PDF File
Have you ever accidentally closed a PDF document without saving it or edited one only to have your computer crash before saving changes? Don't panic! There are a few things you can try to recover unsaved PDF files on Mac or Windows PC.
Ways 1. Using the PDF Reader's Autosave Feature
Mainstream PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit, and Javelin have an Autosave feature that saves your work automatically, similar to Microsoft Word. If the program closes unexpectedly, you can reopen it and retrieve the unsaved PDF file.
- If you have one or more recoverable documents, you will be prompted to recover them when you reopen the app. This is a safety feature to help you recover your work in case of an unexpected closure or crash.
- Click "Yes"; the program will open all unsaved PDF files.
- Open the file, check the target document, and then click the save button to re-save it.
Tip: If you're using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can try going to "File > Open Recent" to see if the unsaved PDF is listed. If it is, click on it to open it up and save it to your computer. This should allow you to recover the unsaved PDF.
Ways 2. Check the Temp Folder
If the above solution does not work, you can try opening your Temporary Files folder to recover unsaved PDF files in Windows 11/10 and Mac.
- Please go to the corresponding folder according to your system.
- for Windows: C:\Users\Your Username\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Acrobat\1X.0\AutoSave\
- for Mac: Library/Application Support/Adobe/Acrobat/AutoSave
- Open the temporary folder, and look for a file with the .tmp extension.
- After confirming the target file against similar files, open it in the reader and re-save it.
If you've lost an unsaved PDF, don't give up. You can try using data recovery software to scan your drive and see if it can find any previously saved PDF files. This may be able to recover the lost PDF.
How to Recover Permanently Deleted PDF Files on Mac/Windows
Dealing with the loss of important PDF files can be frustrating, whether it's due to accidental deletion or drive errors. However, if you act quickly, there's hope for recovery, and you can rely on Deep Data Recovery to help you retrieve your lost files.
The app allows for the recovery of PDF files and other deleted files, including Word documents, photos, audio, and video, and also helps in repairing corrupted files, making it a comprehensive software for file recovery.
Your Safe & Effective PDF File Recovery Software
- It allows users to recover deleted PDF files from their computer, external hard drive, and other storage devices. This feature is useful when users accidentally delete or lose PDF files.
- The software has two scan modes: Quick Scan for a faster process and Deep Scan for a more thorough recovery of PDF files.
- It was fully compatible with macOS and Windows PC.
To Recover Deleted PDF Files in Windows 11/10/7
- To recover deleted data, download the Deep Data Recovery software and follow the installation instructions to install it on your Windows PC.
- Launch the program and click "Select Folder" to navigate to the location where the PDF file was previously saved.
- Select the found PDF and click "Preview" to check it.
- After viewing the target files, select and click Recover to save them on your PC.
To Recover Deleted PDF Files on Mac
Deep Data Recovery software can help recover permanently deleted files on Mac by scanning the device's hard drive for any remaining data, even if it has been emptied from the Trash or deleted using a command. This can be particularly useful if you've accidentally deleted important files or experienced a system crash.
- To recover your PDF files, start by downloading and installing Qiling Mac data recovery software, then launch it and click on the Start option. Select only the PDF files you want to recover to save time.
- The volume you selected will be scanned for any PDF files that were lost, which can take a few seconds or minutes depending on the volume's size and the number of files on it. Once the scanning process is complete, the app will display a list of any PDF files found, and you can view or save them to your device. You can also scan another volume or exit the app.
- After the process is finished, select the desired file types from the left panel and view the files' details. Once you find the target files, make their selection and tap on the 'Recover' option to save them on your Mac.
Tip: If you're trying to recover permanently deleted PDF files, you can try Deep Data Recovery. If that doesn't work, you can also consider using a data recovery service, but be aware that they can be more expensive and time-consuming.
How to Restore Corrupted PDF Files Using Online Tools
PDFs can become corrupted and unopenable due to sudden system shutdowns, software errors, malware, or other issues, similar to other file formats.
You can recover a healthy PDF file using data recovery software, but if it's corrupt, some online tools might help repair it.
ilovepdf.com
If you need to recover a small, corrupted PDF file urgently, ilovepdf.com is a good option. It allows you to repair PDF files without needing to log in or sign up.
- Pros:
- Straightforward web design.
- Valuable functions that are powerful as well.
- It helps in repairing files from Dropbox and Google Drive too.
- Cons:
- It is not ideal for bulk PDF files.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recover a Corrupt PDF File by ilovepdf
- On the homepage of ilovepdf.com, navigate to the "Repair PDF" tool.
- Select a file from your computer, Dropbox, or Google Drive that needs repair and drag, drop, or tap it onto the canvas to continue.
- Tap on the button for Repair PDF.
- If you've encountered an issue with your file, you can either download a repaired version of it or save your work using cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. This way, you can access your file from any device and continue working on it.
Sejda.com
Sejda.com is a good option to recover corrupted PDF files for free, allowing you to upload files from your PC, Mac, or cloud drives, and the files are deleted after processing.
- Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Seamless drag and drop option.
- Cons:
- Repairs documents only up to 50 Mb or 200 pages or three tasks hourly.
Guide to Fix Damaged PDF with Sejda
- Select a few PDF files, tap 'Upload your files', or drag and drop them from your PC to upload them.
- Tap on the Repair PDF button and wait for the process to finish.
Bonus Tip: How to Protect PDF files from Accidental Deletion and Corruption
To protect your PDF files, you can save them to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, which allows you to access them from anywhere and also provides automatic backups. You can also password-protect your PDF files to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, consider saving your PDF files in multiple locations, such as both on your computer and on an external hard drive, to ensure that they are not lost in case of a computer crash or other disaster.
- 🎎 Create two backups of your PDF files, one stored locally on your device and another on a cloud platform, ensuring your files remain accessible even in case of system crashes or damage.
- ⛱️ To protect your device, install antivirus software and turn on real-time protection to prevent malware from causing harm.
- ⛱️ Always remove any device used for external storage in safe mode and then unplug it.
- 🛠️ To maintain your external or internal hard drives, perform defragmentation periodically, ideally every month or as needed based on usage, to keep them running smoothly.
- 🖥️ Run a scan using CHKDSK to mark bad sectors and prevent PDF file corruption by identifying and marking sectors that are no longer readable, thus preventing further data loss and corruption of PDF files.
- 🔒 Protect your PDF files with a password to prevent unauthorized access and accidental deletion or corruption.
To avoid losing or corrupting your PDF files, it's recommended to regularly back them up to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service, and to use a reliable PDF editor or viewer that can recover corrupted files. You should also avoid modifying PDF files in their original location, and instead, make copies of them before editing.
Frequently Asked Questions for PDF Recovery
PDF files are widely used for sharing documents, but like any other file type, they can become corrupted or lost. If you're experiencing issues with a PDF, don't worry - we've got answers to some of the most common questions about recovering or fixing corrupted PDFs.
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A: There are a few different ways that you can try to recover deleted PDF files in Windows 11/10 and Mac. If you have a backup, you may be able to restore the file from there. It is probably your best bet. One option is to try using Deep Data Recovery software. It can often undelete PDF files that have been accidentally removed. Another option is to try looking in the recycle bin.
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A: For recovering PDF files in Android, make use of Google Drive and follow the steps:
- Make a move by opening Google Drive on your Android.
- Log in with your credentials and use the same ID for backing up your smartphone's data.
- Once you see the list of backed-up files, restore them by downloading them.
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A: To restore PDF files on your iPad, follow these steps:
- Try logging in with your email ID and password for iCloud.
- Now tap on the icon for iCloud Drive.
- Now find the PDF files that you lost and make their selection.
- Now go ahead by tapping on the button for the download to save them on your iPad.
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A: When removing data from external drives, they are not put into the Recycle Bin. Therefore, without backup, you can only use Deep Data Recovery to recover deleted files from a USB drive.
- Plug the USB drive into your PC or Ma, and launch Deep Data Recovery.
- Select to scan the USB drive for your deleted or lost PDF files.
- Preview and recover deleted PDF files on Mac or Windows PC successfully.
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A few signs may indicate a PDF file is corrupted. If you're unable to open the file, or if it opens but won't display correctly, this may be a sign that the file is corrupt. Additionally, if you see error messages when trying to open the file, this is another indication that the file may be corrupt.
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A: You can do several things to reduce the risk of PDF corruption, including avoiding sudden power outages, using reliable storage media, and keeping backups of important files. You should also install antivirus software to help protect your system from malware that can damage PDF files.
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A: A few different methods can be used to restore corrupted PDF files, depending on the extent of the damage. For minor corruption, you may be able to repair the file using a PDF repair tool. For more severe bribery, you may need to use data recovery software to extract the data from the damaged file. Sometimes, it may not be possible to resume a corrupted PDF completely. Finally, if all else fails, you can try converting the PDF to another file format, such as Word or HTML, and then back again to PDF. This process can sometimes repair damaged PDF files.
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A: You might need to recover a PDF for many reasons. For example, you may have accidentally deleted the file, or your computer may have crashed and corrupted it.
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A: If you have a backup of the file, you can get them back from the backup. Without backup, you can also use free file recovery software like Qiling Free Data Recovery. Whatever the reason for file loss, it can help you recover deleted PDF files in Windows 10/11 and Mac.
Conclusion
PDF files can be reliably shared and exchanged, but they can also be damaged or lost. To prevent data loss, it's recommended to have multiple backups of valuable information. However, if you need to recover unsaved PDF files, the AutoSave feature can be useful. If you've deleted PDF files on Mac or Windows without a backup, Deep Data Recovery can be used to retrieve them.
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