Part 1. Why PDF Bookmarks Not Working?
Before introducing the different solutions to this issue, you should understand why your PDF bookmarks are not working. There are multiple reasons for this to happen. Here are some common causes:
The PDF Is Corrupted
Bookmarks do not work because the PDF file might be corrupted. A corrupted file is damaged or altered in a way that makes it unreadable. This can happen due to errors during saving, transferring, or downloading the file or even a system crash while editing.
Incompatible PDF Viewer
If you're using an incompatible PDF viewer, it will not support the bookmark functionality properly. Some PDF viewers are not designed to handle bookmarks, which can cause them not to work as expected.
Bookmark Links Not Properly Created
Sometimes, the bookmarks themselves are not created correctly. If the links are not set properly when the PDF is made, they will not function as intended.
Outdated PDF Reader
An outdated PDF reader can stop bookmarks from working if they do not support updated PDF features and lack updates. Due to the missing updates, the PDF reader will likely not display or interact with the bookmarks properly.
Improper PDF Export
When converting a document from Word to PDF, an error during the export process can also prevent bookmarks from working correctly. The improper export problem can happen when the settings are not set to include bookmarks or when there is an issue with the conversion process.
Part 2. How to Fix PDF Bookmarks Not Working
Now that you know all the possible reasons why your PDF bookmarks are not working, finding a solution will be much easier. Here are some of the ways you can fix this issue.
Fix 1. Try A Different Reader
The easiest way to fix this issue is to switch to another PDF reader that supports bookmarks and has up-to-date features. You should try SwifDoo PDF, which is an all-in-one PDF software.
SwifDoo PDF is a fast, user-friendly PDF reader designed to handle bookmarks and other features effectively without any issues. You can easily go through your document without worrying about any bookmark failure. It also offers various PDF reading modes for you.
Fix 2. Update PDF Reader
Another solution is to keep your PDF reader updated. It's pretty simple to update any PDF reader. Go to the Help section in your reader and click Update. The Update option will then check if any newer version of the PDF reader is available, including any bug fixes and bookmark support. Once it is updated, your bookmarks not working might be fixed.
Fix 3. Verify the Bookmarks Are Correctly Created
The next fix option is to check if your bookmarks were created correctly in the first place. Open your PDF reader and go to your bookmark panel. Take a look at each bookmark and make sure that it is linked to your desired page or the proper section of your document.
Fix 4. Fix the Corrupted PDF
Your bookmarks might not be working due to a corrupted PDF. There is a chance to repair a corrupted PDF by restoring it to a previous version using your computer's built-in version. You can also try converting the PDF to another format, like Word, and then converting it back to PDF with SwiftDoo PDF.
If these options do not work, online tools and PDF repair software are available to help fix your corrupted PDF file and restore your bookmarks.
Moro info:
How to Repair A Corrupted PDF File | 7 Ways
PDF files became corrupted? No worries! This guide will tell you how to repair a corrupted PDF file to retrieve important information.
READ MORE >Fix 5. Recreate the Bookmarks
Once you have tried all the fixes and still have issues with your bookmarks, try recreating them using SwifDoo PDF. If your document is formatted correctly, SwifDoo PDF automatically generates bookmarks based on the headings.
Here is how to add bookmarks to PDF via SwifDoo PDF:
1. Download, install, and launch SwifDoo PDF. Open the PDF file.
2. Click the Bookmark icon.
3. Choose Extract TOC to make it.
You can also manually add bookmarks by selecting a page or text and clicking Add Bookmarks.
Fix 6. Recreate the PDF from the Original Document
Return to the original document and create a fresh PDF if nothing else works. This way, you can check whether the structure and bookmarks in your file are correct. Open your original file and re-export it as a PDF.
Check this guide if you want to create PDF from Word:
How to Convert Word to PDF Without Losing Formatting | 5 Ways
This guide will tell you how to convert Word to PDF without losing formatting. Whether you want to make it online or offline, you will find a way to do it here.
READ MORE >Part 3. How to Fix PDF Bookmarks Not Working in Chrome/Edge
If you view your PDF in Chrome or Edge and the bookmarks are not working, you must resolve the issue differently than the above fixes. Here are some solutions that you can follow to get your bookmarks working again:
Fix 1. Update the Browser
Outdated browsers can be the leading cause of PDF bookmark issues. To fix this, open Chrome/Edge, go to the menu, click Help or Settings, and choose About Chrome/Edge. The browser will automatically check for updates and install them. If any update is done, restart your browser before opening the PDF.
Fix 2. Clear Cache and Cookies
Clear your browser's cookies and cache if the bookmark issue is unresolved. Open your browser settings, go to the history section, click the Privacy tab, and select the option to clear browsing data. Remember to check the boxes for cache and cookies. Once you do this, click Clear Data to refresh the browser's performance.
Fix 3. Check Extension Conflicts
Browser extensions can also interfere with PDF browsers working correctly. Turn off your extensions one at a time and see if the bookmark issue is solved. If an extension is causing the problem, you can remove it or adjust its settings to avoid conflicts. In addition, you can enable Incognito Mode to disable all extensions.
You may also like:
How to Enable/Disable PDF Viewer in Chrome | Quick Guide
This guide will show you how to enable PDF viewer in Chrome. Plus, we will introduce a professional PDF reader if you want advanced features.
READ MORE >Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with all the fixes, the issue of your PDF bookmarks not working should be resolved with these options. If you do not want to deal with further problems, opt for SwifDoo PDF. It is simple to use and has multiple features, making managing PDFs much easier. Give it a try and see for yourself how the bookmarks work perfectly.