All users7 min read

Common Conversion Issues

Most conversion issues are caused by source quality, malformed PDFs, embedded font differences, or scanned content that needs preprocessing.

Common causes

  • Scanned or image-only PDFs without OCR.
  • Malformed or damaged source PDFs.
  • Large files with embedded assets or unusual fonts.
  • Skewed scans or low-resolution images.

Recommended fix sequence

  1. 1

    Repair the PDF if the source behaves inconsistently.

  2. 2

    Deskew scanned pages if text alignment is poor.

  3. 3

    Run OCR before text extraction or AI retrieval.

  4. 4

    Compress only after the file content is final.

How to interpret the symptom

  • Missing text usually points to OCR or source readability issues.
  • Broken layout often points to fonts, embedded objects, or malformed input.
  • Oversized outputs often come from image-heavy content or merging too early without cleanup.

Try these fixes

Repair PDF

Fix a PDF that opens inconsistently or behaves oddly.

Deskew PDF

Straighten tilted scanned pages before OCR.

OCR PDF

Make scanned text selectable before extraction.

FAQ

Why is extracted text missing or incomplete?

The file is often image-based or low quality. OCR and image enhancement usually improve extraction results.

Why is my output file too large?

Run compression after merge or edit steps and remove unnecessary image-heavy source pages where possible.

Why does my scanned PDF look crooked after OCR?

OCR reads the page as scanned. Run Deskew PDF before OCR so the text alignment and recognition accuracy improve.

Limits, passwords and deskewed text

Why does a tool say I've reached my daily limit?

Every plan has a daily number of conversions, counted per IP address when you're signed out. The count resets each day (UTC), and paid plans raise the limit.

Why can't a tool read my password-protected PDF?

Tools can't read an encrypted PDF without its password. Run Unlock PDF with the password first; Remove Annotations asks for the password itself.

Why can't I select text after deskewing?

Deskew PDF re-renders each page it straightens as a high-resolution image, so the text layer on those pages is lost. Run OCR PDF afterwards to make them searchable again.