When a tool does nothing, shows an error or stops halfway, the cause is usually one of a small number of things. This guide lists the ones that really affect MZScan tools, in the order you should check them. Because the tools run inside your browser, many problems come from the browser, the device or the connection rather than from the file itself.
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Browse all guides →PDF to Image and PDF Tools cannot open a PDF that needs a password. Remove the password in the program that created it (or ask the sender for an unprotected copy), then try again.
The work happens on your own device, so a very large PDF or a huge photo can be slow or fail, especially on a phone with limited memory. Try these steps:
Each tool accepts specific files. The scanner, Image to PDF and the ID tool accept image files. PDF to Image and PDF Tools accept PDF files. The editor accepts PDF, PNG, JPG, WebP, BMP, GIF and AVIF. The compressor accepts most common image types including HEIC, HEIF, AVIF, BMP, TIFF and SVG, but whether a given HEIC or AVIF file opens also depends on your browser. If a file will not open, export it as a JPG or PNG from your phone or computer and try again.
A file that was interrupted while downloading or copying can look normal but fail to open. Download or copy it again, and open it in another program to confirm that it works.
The PDF tools and the text editor load a few code libraries from public servers the first time they run. If your connection drops, or an ad blocker, VPN, school or office network blocks them, the tool may not start. Reload the page on a stable connection, and if you use a blocker or VPN, try turning it off for mzscan.com.
If the live camera does not start, your browser may have blocked camera access for the site. Allow the camera in your browser's site settings, or use the option that opens your phone's own camera app and then choose the photo.
Some browsers block several automatic downloads at once. Allow downloads for mzscan.com when the browser asks. In PDF to Image you can download all pages together as a single ZIP file, which avoids many separate downloads.
Details are on the Premium page.
MZScan cannot unlock a password-protected PDF, does not currently compress PDF files, and does not currently turn a scanned PDF into a searchable PDF. If a tool you need is missing, tell us at [email protected].
Email [email protected] with the tool name, your browser and device, the file type and approximate size, and what you saw on the screen. Please do not send private documents. A screenshot of the error is usually enough.
Why does the tool work on my laptop but not my phone?
Phones have less memory. Use Normal quality, smaller files or fewer pages at a time.
Why does nothing happen after I choose a PDF?
The PDF may be password-protected, or the page could not load its code libraries. Reload the page, and remove any password from the PDF.
Are my files lost if a conversion fails?
Your original file is never changed or removed. The tools only read it in your browser.
Your files stay on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
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