How to Stop Adobe Acrobat from Converting PDF Attachments into Links
Question details
The user wants to prevent Adobe Acrobat from automatically turning PDF email attachments into shared links so they can send files as standard email attachments.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sending a PDF file as an email attachment directly through the Adobe Acrobat interface.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat automatically converts the physical PDF file into a shared cloud link, instead of attaching the actual document to the email.
Ensure you have the desktop version of Adobe Acrobat open and that your default email client is properly configured on your computer.
Disable the 'Send as Link' Option in Acrobat Preferences
Adjusting the email account settings in Adobe Acrobat is the most direct way to stop it from forcing PDF attachments into shared links.
Adobe Acrobat defaults to sending links to encourage the use of Adobe Document Cloud. Disabling this specific setting will revert the behavior to attaching physical PDF files to your outgoing emails.
Launch Adobe Acrobat on your computer. Click on the 'Menu' button located in the top-left corner (or 'Edit' on older Windows versions) and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences dialog box, scroll through the categories listed on the left pane and click on 'Email Accounts'.
Look at the settings on the right side. Locate the checkbox labeled 'Always send files as a link' and clear (uncheck) it.
Click 'OK' to save your changes. Try sending your PDF again by clicking the email icon to confirm it now attaches as a standard file instead of a link.
Easily Send PDFs as Attachments with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a streamlined PDF reader and editor that lets you easily send your PDF files as standard email attachments directly from the app, without ever forcing them into unwanted shared links.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to send via email.
- 2. Access the Share Menu: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, go to 'Share', and choose 'Email'.
- 3. Send as Attachment: WPS Office will automatically open your default desktop email client with the PDF physically attached and ready to send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat send links instead of attachments by default?
Adobe sets this as a default to encourage the use of Adobe Document Cloud, which saves email bandwidth and allows for file tracking. However, it can be inconvenient if the recipient requires the actual file offline.
Can I send large PDFs as regular attachments?
Yes, as long as the PDF file size is under your email provider's attachment limit (usually 20MB to 25MB for Gmail or Outlook). If it exceeds this limit, you will need to compress the PDF or use a link.
How do I change my default email client for sending PDFs in Acrobat?
In Adobe Acrobat, go to Preferences > Email Accounts. Select your preferred email application (like Microsoft Outlook or Webmail) from the list, and click 'Make Default' to apply the change.
