Opened a PDF and found strange symbols or broken characters instead of real text? That’s garbled text — and it’s more common than you think.
It usually happens when fonts are missing, encoding breaks, or something goes wrong during the export. But there’s a fix — and it’s quick.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top causes of garbled text and show you how to fix each one using Smallpdf’s Edit PDF.
Let’s make sure your files always look sharp and readable, no matter where you open them.
Common Causes of Garbled Text in PDFs
Missing or Unembedded Fonts
When a PDF uses fonts that aren't embedded into the file, and these fonts aren’t installed on your device, the text might not display properly. Instead of clear characters, you'll see messy, unreadable symbols.
Corrupted or Damaged PDF Files
A damaged PDF file can cause all sorts of problems, including garbled text. Corruption can occur during file transfer or if the file wasn’t saved correctly.
Encoding Errors
Improper character encoding during the creation of a PDF can lead to text that appears distorted or doesn't display correctly.
Outdated or Incompatible PDF Readers
If you’re using an old or unsupported PDF viewer, it might not render newer file formats properly, resulting in garbled text.
OCR Errors in Scanned Documents
If a scanned document hasn’t been processed correctly with Optical Character Recognition (OCR), the text can appear as jumbled gibberish instead of readable text.
Now that you know the root causes, here’s how you can fix garbled PDFs quickly.
Solutions to Fix Garbled Text in PDFs
1. Edit Your PDF with Smallpdf’s Edit Tool
The easiest way to fix garbled text is to edit the problematic sections directly using Smallpdf’s Edit PDF Tool.
Steps to fix garbled text with Smallpdf:
- Go to the Edit PDF.
- Upload your PDF file.
- Click on the garbled text and type in the corrections.
- Save and download your updated PDF.
Edit Your PDF with Smallpdf’s Edit Tool
That’s it! Quick and simple.
2. Update Your PDF Viewer
Sometimes, fixing garbled text is as straightforward as updating your PDF reader. Outdated software may not support newer file formats.
How to update tour PDF viewer:
- Open your PDF viewer.
- Go to the settings or help menu and check for updates.
- Download the latest version and reopen your PDF.
If the problem persists, try using a different viewer like our free Smallpdf PDF Reader, which is optimized for smooth, error-free viewing.
3. Fix Corrupted PDFs
If your PDF file is corrupted, you can repair it using third-party tools designed to restore damaged files.
Steps to repair a PDF file: 1. Use a trusted repair tool like EaseUS Fixo. 2. Upload the damaged PDF and follow the on-screen instructions to restore it.
While Smallpdf doesn’t currently offer a dedicated repair tool, our PDF tools are great for other fixes, such as editing or enhancing your documents after they’re repaired.
4. Recreate the PDF File
If possible, go back to the original source file and recreate the PDF. This ensures the fonts are properly embedded and the file is saved without errors.
How to recreate a PDF:
- Open the original source file (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs).
- Choose "Save as PDF" or "Export as PDF."
- When saving, check for an option to embed fonts, and make sure it’s enabled.
Now, recheck your PDF, and the garbled text should be fixed!
Preventing Future Issues
Once you’ve resolved the problem, take these steps to ensure your PDFs always display correctly in the future:
Always Embed Fonts
When creating a PDF, make sure all fonts are embedded. This ensures the text will look the same across all devices and viewers.
Regularly Update Your Software
Keep your PDF readers and creation tools updated so they can handle the latest PDF standards.
Use Reliable PDF Tools
Use trusted software to create and edit your PDFs. For instance, Smallpdf’s easy-to-use tools ensure your documents are formatted and saved correctly every time you use them.
Test Your PDF on Multiple Devices
Before finalizing a file, open it on different PDF viewers and devices to ensure everything displays as it should.
Take Control of Your PDFs with Smallpdf
Now that you know how to fix garbled text in PDFs, you’re well-prepared to handle any issues that come your way. With Smallpdf’s Edit PDF tool and the right tips, you’ll always keep your documents in top shape.
FAQs About Fixing Garbled Text in PDFs
How do I fix a garbled PDF?
To fix a garbled PDF, start by updating your PDF reader. If the problem persists, use Smallpdf’s Edit PDF Tool to correct specific sections. You can also recreate the file from the original document.
How do I fix distorted text in a PDF?
Distorted text can often be resolved by embedding fonts during the PDF creation process or editing the file using Smallpdf’s tools.
How do I fix garbled text when copying from a PDF?
If the copied text from your PDF appears garbled, this is likely an encoding issue. Consider using an OCR tool to reprocess the document or edit it directly in a PDF editor like Smallpdf.
Why is my PDF displaying gibberish instead of text?
This happens when fonts are missing, the PDF file is corrupted, or the viewer is outdated. Check your viewer, use a repair tool if necessary, or recreate the document to fix this.
Can Smallpdf fix garbled text in PDFs?
Yes! Use our Edit PDF to quickly fix garbled text. If the issue is more complex, we recommend recreating the file or using a PDF OCR to enhance text recognition.
