Overview
PDFs occasionally have data within the file that might be corrupted. Even though your file looks fine, it won't print, or when it does print, it looks strange. This is more common with documents that contain complicated symbols, equations, or handwriting that have been scanned to text.
Instructions
Use the following steps to save your file as a more compatible PDF/A and remove any corrupted data:
macOS
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- From the File menu, choose Export...
- Check the Create PDF/A and Save images as JPG boxes, then select Save. We recommend giving the file a new name to differentiate it from the original file.
Windows
Note: If you are using a college-issued computer, you can open the PDF in Acrobat Pro and skip to the last step of this process.
- Download and install Acrobat Reader here. Before clicking Download, uncheck the two boxes to avoid the installation of unnecessary software.
- Open your PDF in Acrobat Reader.
- From the Menu, choose Save As..., select the destination, then from the Save as type menu, choose Adobe PDF Files, Optimized.
Additional Help
If you have any issues, email itsupport@williams.edu.