Overview
A “Document is corrupt” message can occur when DataSnipper cannot locate or validate a document reference. A source PDF changed after import, an inaccessible reference or a synchronization problem may be relevant. The message alone does not identify the cause or prove that the original file is damaged.
For a shared workbook or cloud-stored source, check the available file-access and synchronization information. A user or another application may have changed a source PDF after import, for example by:
Rotate, redact, or resize the document
Replace it with a new version behind the scenes (e.g., via syncing)
Automatically optimize or resave the file using PDF utilities
Even if the filename remains unchanged, these actions can result in a new file being created with a different internal signature, which causes DataSnipper to flag the document as corrupt.
How to Identify the Root Cause
To confirm whether the document has been modified, compare the last modified timestamps from two locations:
In DataSnipper (Document Organizer)
Open your Excel workbook.
Launch the DataSnipper pane.
Open the Document Organizer.
Find the document in question and note the Modified Date.
In Windows File Explorer
Navigate to the folder where the original PDF is saved.
Right-click the file and select Properties.
Under the General tab, check the Modified timestamp.
A timestamp difference can help identify a source change. Check it alongside the document and import context before choosing recovery; the timestamp comparison alone does not establish every cause of the error.
How to Fix It
If an accessible source PDF is confirmed to have changed since import, preserve a copy of the workbook. Use the existing affected document’s Reimport action when that action is available for this import:
Reimport Steps:
Open the Document Organizer.
Right-click the affected document.
Click Reimport.
After Reimport, check that the document, Snips and annotations work as expected. Do not delete the existing document first. If the source or action is unavailable, or the issue persists, contact Support for the supported recovery path.
Best Practices to Prevent This Issue
Avoid editing documents after importing them into DataSnipper.
Do not rotate, redact, or resave PDFs using external tools once they’ve been imported.
If using co-authoring or shared drives, instruct all users not to modify shared PDFs already in use.
Coordinate source changes with collaborators and let normal synchronization complete. Changing or disabling synchronization is not a general recovery step.
Need Further Help?
If Reimport is unavailable, the problem continues or the cause is unclear, contact Support with the error and the checks already completed. The details below are useful when available; share files only as permitted by your organisation. If a file, log or screenshot cannot be provided, say so and continue with the information available:
Share a copy of the problematic document (a redacted version is fine).
Send us your log file:
Go to
Learn>About> Save log file from the DataSnipper ribbon.