Overview
The “Document is corrupt” error in DataSnipper typically indicates that a document has been modified after it was imported into the Excel workbook. This breaks the internal reference DataSnipper maintains to the original document, making it unable to recognize or access it.
This issue is especially common in co-authoring environments or with files stored on cloud-based storage solutions like SharePoint or OneDrive. In many cases, another user or background software may:
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.
If the timestamps do not match, this confirms that the document was altered after being imported into DataSnipper.
✅ How to Fix It
The fastest resolution is to reimport the document:
Reimport Steps:
Open the Document Organizer.
Right-click the affected document.
Click Reimport.
This will re-establish the link between the workbook and the updated document, resolving the error without losing snips or annotations.
🧼 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.
Disable or monitor any auto-versioning or sync software that might silently replace documents.
🆘 Need Further Help?
If the reimport option doesn’t work or you’re unsure about the changes:
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.