Photos are not the only files that get rejected. PDFs fail for reasons that are easy to fix once you know them. Always read the official notice for the exact page, size and format rules.
Error: file is too large
Scans from a phone can be many MB. Use the compress PDF tool to bring the file down, then open it and zoom in on small text. If the text is blurry, choose a lighter compression level or rescan at a smaller page count. For several files at once, the document pack tool shrinks photos and PDFs to a limit you choose.
Error: too many pages, or only one file allowed
If the portal accepts a single upload, combine your documents with merge PDF. Put them in the order the notice lists. If it asks for only certain pages, use split PDF to take out what you need.
Error: wrong file format
Some portals accept only PDF, others only JPG. Convert as needed. Pictures can go into a PDF with image to PDF, and PDF pages can become images with PDF to JPG. Renaming the extension by hand does not change the actual format and often fails.
Error: file is password protected
Portals cannot open protected PDFs. If it is your own file and you know the password, the unlock PDF tool can save an unprotected copy. Only do this for files you own.
Error: file is corrupted or unreadable
This often happens after a half-finished download or transfer. Try downloading or exporting the file again. If the file opens on your computer but fails on the portal, the repair PDF tool may help.
Error: pages upside down or sideways
Fix this before you upload, using the rotate PDF tool.
Error: unknown or invalid file name
Some systems reject long names or special characters. Use a short name like marksheet.pdf.
A simple routine
- Note the format, size and page rules from the notice.
- Merge, split or convert the file as needed.
- Compress only as much as required.
- Open the final file and read it fully.
- Check the size in your file manager.
- Upload and preview on the portal.
If the issue remains, try another browser or device and note the exact error text for the helpdesk. See also reduce PDF size for online forms and documents to prepare before filling an application.