How to Resolve PDF Blank Pages Problem – Top 6 Steps

PDF refers to Portable Document Format, an open file format that maintains fonts, images, graphics, and layout. It enables the storage and transmission of data easily across platforms and devices. However, blank pages usually occur due to page breaks during document processing or conversion faults. This problem interrupts readability and causes users to look for trustworthy solutions. This blog discusses manual troubleshooting ways to resolve the “PDF blank pages problem.” We also provide an expert PDF Repair tool that is meant to make the process easier. It is easy to use and efficient and facilitates easy management of PDF files without data loss.

Why is My PDF Showing up Blank?

A PDF can appear blank when opened for various reasons. Below are the most frequent causes:

• The document might not have been downloaded or saved properly.  
• Certain items may not be rendered by some PDF readers.  
• Some PDFs may be created with content layers that might not open.
• Text/Images rendered as white on white background
• The PDF is based on fonts or media that are not embedded or supported.
• Incorrect formatting can position content beyond page boundaries.
• Some PDFs limit viewing according to settings.

Manual Methods to Fix “PDF Blank Pages Problem”

Here is a step-by-step guide with manual processes to repair PDF problems, with detailed, step-by-step instructions. Follow these steps to solve the issue with ease:

1. Reopen or Re-download the PDF File

Sometimes, a weak connection, interrupted download, or browser error can cause the PDF to appear blank or corrupted. In this case, the file may not have been downloaded or saved correctly, resulting in an incomplete or corrupted document that the PDF reader cannot display properly.

Steps:

1. First, close your PDF viewer entirely.
2. After that, locate the PDF file destination.
3. Now, right-click on it and delete it.
4. Next, navigate to the source of the PDF and open it.
5. Now, download it to the desired location.
6. Here, open it using the trusted PDF viewer.
7. In the end, verify that your metadata and data are intact.

2. Fix “PDF is Blank When Opened” Using a Different Viewer

A PDF might look blank due to the software you’re working with is unable to properly render the contents of the file. Various PDF viewers employ varying rendering engines. To eliminate this possibility, it’s best to open the file in a different viewer.

Steps:

1. First, close your PDF viewer entirely.
2. Now, go to the PDF file location.
3. Here, double-click on it and open it.
4. Choose the alternative PDF viewer.
5. Now, verify whether your alternative one opens it or not.

If one viewer shows blank pages but another doesn’t, the issue is viewer-specific.

3. Fix “PDF Blank Pages Problem” by Updating or Reinstalling

An old or corrupted PDF viewer may result in display issues. Software updates guarantee compatibility with new PDF features and file formats. If updating fails, reinstalling the application can resolve underlying problems.

Steps:

1. Open your PDF file viewer.
2. Next, go to the settings menu.
3. Here, choose the option of Update.

Or

4. Completely uninstall it from your system.
5. Next, redownload and install it on your system.

4. Fix the “PDF Blank Pages Problem” Using the “Print to PDF”

If a PDF shows up as blank or won’t show properly, there could be a rendering problem due to errors in formatting. Employing the “Print to PDF” procedure compels your system to recreate the PDF from the beginning.

Steps:

1. First, navigate to the PDF file on your system.
2. Now, open it on your PDF file viewer (even if it appears empty).
3. After that, click Ctrl + P simultaneously.
4. Here, select “Microsoft Print to PDF” or “Save as PDF” as the printer.
5. Now, provide the saving location on your system.
6. Also, rename it for easier searchability.
7. In the end, open it and verify the intact data.

This can clear out formatting bugs or embedded errors.

5. Check Document Properties & Security Settings

Sometimes, a PDF can be blank due to limitations imposed by the creator or a lack of resources. When the file contains security settings that prevent some activities or is without embedded fonts, the content won’t be rendered correctly. This step helps you verify if the document is locked or missing essential components that affect how it renders.

Steps:

1. First, go to the saving location of the PDF file.
2. Now, double-click on it and open it using Adobe Acrobat.
3. Next, go to the properties followed by the File menu.
4. Under the properties, choose the option of security.
5. Here, make sure “Content Copying” and “Page Extraction” are allowed.
6. Also, check the font to see if any are listed as “not embedded.” 

Instant Ways to Solve “PDF Blank Pages Problem”

PDF repair software is a specialized application created to fix problems in PDF documents that are damaged, corrupted, blank, unreadable, or inaccessible. It checks for structural defects, broken metadata, and defective embedded components in the file and corrects them to recover the document into a working condition. The application allows for repairing one or more files simultaneously, with the ability to export with or without attachments. A demo version is available for free, and the program is compatible with all versions of the Windows operating system.

Solve “PDF Showing up Blank in Print Preview” Using Tool:

1. Download and install the PDF Repair tool on your system.
2. After that, choose the Single File or Multiple File option.
3. Now, browse the PDF file from your saving location.
4. Here, select the recovery mode from your tool.
5. After that, provide the location to keep the resultant file.
6. Finally, click on the Save button the initiate the process.

Conclusion

PDF documents are vital to users and hold plenty of important information. You can try resolving the PDF blank pages problem by following the steps outlined above. But if these steps fail, you will have to seek the assistance of an automated PDF repair tool we talked about last. It is a full-featured, simple-to-use tool that repairs damaged PDF files instantly and restores lost data.

Useful Article – Unlock Password Protected PDF Files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What steps can I take to prevent my PDFs from getting corrupted during transfer?

Ans: To avoid corruption of PDFs during transfer or storage, always download files using a stable internet connection. Have sufficient available storage space on your device and employ reliable storage options, such as cloud storage or external drives. Frequent backups of significant PDFs will also safeguard against data corruption and loss threats.

Q. How can I prevent blank pages when exporting forms to PDF?

Ans: Additional blank pages usually occur due to default PDF creation settings. To correct it, open the PDF in a PDF editor and find the irrelevant blank pages. Manually remove them and save the document with the appropriate page layout without any unnecessary blank pages.

Q. What causes blank pages when viewing PDFs on Apple devices?

Ans: Blank pages may be caused by certain PDF export settings or compatibility problems with some apps. For instance, images placed at the end of an InDesign export page may not display properly on Apple devices, resulting in blank pages. Export settings may be adjusted, or compatible software may be used to correct this.

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