If a PDF shows “scrambled text with random characters”, compare it with the same file in the Files app.
Important: converting PDF pages to images can make the text unsearchable and unselectable.
Troubleshoot the PDF
- Open the original PDF in the Files app.
- Check whether the text is also displayed incorrectly there.
- If it is, use trusted local software to convert the pages to images and create a new PDF.
- Import the new PDF into Goodnotes and check the text again.
Protect your information
Avoid uploading confidential documents to online conversion services. Prefer an offline tool or work with a redacted copy.
If the issue continues
Contact Goodnotes Support with the affected language, device model, operating system, and Goodnotes version. Share the PDF only if it contains no sensitive information; otherwise, provide a redacted sample that reproduces the issue.