How to Attach Multiple Open PDFs to One Outlook Email
Question details
The user wants to attach several currently open PDF files in a PDF viewer to a single Microsoft Outlook email draft instead of generating multiple separate emails.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to share multiple open PDF documents at once using the native email sharing feature without repeating the drafting process.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF software's native email command creates a brand new email message for each active PDF tab individually, failing to combine multiple open documents into one single Outlook draft.
Ensure all the PDF files you currently have open are saved to a specific, easy-to-find local folder (like your Desktop or Documents) before proceeding.
Attach Saved PDFs Directly from Microsoft Outlook
Bypass the PDF reader's share button and use Microsoft Outlook's native attachment feature to add multiple files to a single draft.
Because Adobe Acrobat's email command is designed to only process the currently active document tab, it cannot automatically group multiple open tabs into one email. The most reliable method is to initiate the process from Outlook.
In your PDF reader, press Ctrl+S (or File > Save As) to ensure all currently open tabs are saved to your local drive.
Open Microsoft Outlook and click the 'New Email' button located in the top-left corner of the Home ribbon.
In the new message window, click the 'Attach File' icon (paperclip) on the Message tab, then select 'Browse This PC'.
Navigate to the folder where you saved your PDFs. Hold down the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard, click each PDF you want to send, and then click 'Insert'.
Use the Drag and Drop Method
A fast, visual way to attach multiple PDFs without navigating through Outlook's attachment menus.
Merge Multiple PDFs Before Emailing with WPS Office
Instead of sending multiple separate attachments that clutter an inbox, use WPS Office to quickly combine all your open PDFs into a single, organized document. You can then attach this single file directly to your Outlook email with one click.
- 1. Open PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the 'PDF' tab, then select 'Merge PDF' from the top ribbon.
- 2. Add files to combine: Click 'Add Files' and select all the individual PDFs you want to send together.
- 3. Merge documents: Arrange the pages or files in your preferred order, assign an output name, and click the 'Merge' button.
- 4. Share via email: Once the merged PDF opens, click the 'Share' or 'Email' icon in the top toolbar to automatically attach this single, combined file to a new Outlook draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat create a new email for every PDF?
Adobe Acrobat's 'Send by Email' command is programmed to process only the currently active document tab. When you click the email icon, it triggers a system call to your default email client for that specific file alone, resulting in a new draft per click.
Can I select multiple tabs in Acrobat to email them together?
No, Adobe Acrobat currently does not support selecting multiple open tabs simultaneously to attach them via the native email share button. You must save the files locally and attach them manually through Microsoft Outlook.
Is there a way to email multiple PDFs as a single attachment?
Yes. The best way is to use a PDF editor like WPS Office to merge the multiple PDF files into one single PDF document first. Once merged, you can attach that single file to your email, making it easier for the recipient to download and read.
Is there an automation script to attach open PDFs to Outlook?
Advanced users can utilize the Adobe Acrobat Action Wizard or write custom VBA scripts in Microsoft Outlook to automate pulling multiple saved PDFs into a single draft. However, this requires scripting knowledge and relies on the files being saved to a designated folder first.
