How to Fix Unknown Error When Editing PDFs in Acrobat Pro 2017
Question details
The user needs to resolve an 'Unknown Error' that appears when trying to edit the contents of a PDF document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to edit text or images within a PDF file that was generated by older, unusual, or third-party PDF creators.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Pro 2017 displays an 'Unknown Error' prompt, completely preventing the user from successfully modifying the text or images in the PDF.
Before attempting any fixes, ensure you make a secure backup copy of your original PDF document. Testing whether the error occurs on multiple PDFs or just one specific file will also help determine if the file itself is corrupted.
Recreate the PDF using Microsoft Print to PDF
Flattening and recreating the PDF using a standard virtual printer often resolves compatibility issues caused by non-standard PDF generators.
This method essentially creates a fresh, standardized version of your PDF. Because it prints the document to a new file, it strips out problematic encoding that triggers the Acrobat editing error.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 and open the PDF document that is causing the 'Unknown Error'.
Navigate to 'File' in the top menu bar and select 'Print' from the dropdown list, or simply press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
In the Printer dropdown menu at the top of the dialog box, choose 'Microsoft Print to PDF' (or 'Adobe PDF' if available).
Click the 'Print' button. A prompt will appear asking you to choose a save location. Name the file differently from the original and click 'Save'.
Open the newly created PDF in Acrobat Pro 2017 and attempt to edit the text or images to verify the error is resolved.
Verify Document Properties and PDF Creator
Checking the document's metadata helps identify if the PDF was made by an outdated tool, allowing you to request a properly exported version.
Use WPS PDF to Edit Text and Images Without Errors
If Acrobat Pro 2017 continues to display an 'Unknown Error' due to legacy file generators, try opening and editing your document with WPS PDF. It features a highly forgiving rendering engine that allows you to easily modify text, images, and pages without encountering frustrating compatibility blocks.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website to access the built-in PDF editor.
- 2. Open the PDF file: Launch WPS Office, click on 'PDF Edit' on the home screen, and open the PDF that was causing errors in Acrobat.
- 3. Access editing tools: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab located on the top toolbar to reveal the comprehensive suite of PDF modification tools.
- 4. Edit text and images: Click 'Edit Content' to start modifying your text, adjusting layouts, or swapping images without triggering unknown errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat Pro 2017 show an 'Unknown Error' only on specific PDFs?
This error typically occurs when a PDF was generated by outdated, non-standard, or unusual third-party software. These generators may structure the background PDF code in a way that Adobe Acrobat's editing engine cannot properly interpret.
Will using 'Print to PDF' reduce the quality of my document?
Yes, it can. Using the 'Print to PDF' method flattens the document, which can sometimes reduce image resolution, remove text searchability, and strip away metadata, bookmarks, and hyperlinks. It is a workaround that should be used when direct editing is impossible.
Can I fix this error by updating my Adobe Acrobat software?
Sometimes. Updating your software to the latest patch of Acrobat Pro 2017 might resolve specific bugs related to parsing certain file types. You can check for updates by going to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' within the Acrobat menu.
How do I find out what software originally created my PDF?
Open your PDF in a standard reader like Acrobat or WPS PDF, press Ctrl + D to open the Document Properties window, and review the 'Application' and 'PDF Producer' fields located under the Description tab.
