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How to Save, Find, and Forward a PDF Attachment from Gmail
Question details
The user needs instructions on how to properly download a PDF from a Gmail message, locate the saved file on their device, and forward it to another recipient.
- Product
- Gmail
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Receiving a PDF file via Gmail and needing to save it locally in order to attach it to a new email or forwarded message.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to successfully download, locate, and share a received PDF without it getting lost in a third-party viewer app.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection to download the attachment completely, and familiarize yourself with where your device's default Downloads folder or Files app is located.
Save and Forward a PDF Attachment on a Computer
Use this primary method to download a PDF from Gmail to your PC or Mac and easily attach it to a new email.
When viewing emails on a desktop browser, clicking the attachment preview will only open it for viewing. To successfully forward the file, you must ensure it is saved to your computer's local storage first.
Open Gmail and navigate to the message containing the PDF. Hover over the attachment and click the downward-facing 'Download' arrow icon. Do not click the Acrobat or Drive viewer icons unless you only want to read it.
Open your computer's File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and navigate to the default 'Downloads' folder to confirm the PDF has been saved successfully.
Return to Gmail, click 'Compose' to open a new message, or click 'Forward' on an existing thread. Click the paperclip attachment icon at the bottom of the compose window.
Select the downloaded PDF from your Downloads folder, wait for the upload bar to complete, add your recipient's address, and click 'Send'.
Save and Forward a PDF Attachment on a Mobile Device
Follow these steps to manage, locate, and forward PDF attachments using a smartphone or tablet.
Easily Read, Manage, and Share PDFs with WPS Office
Once you download a PDF from Gmail, you can use WPS Office to instantly open, read, annotate, and share the document with others. It offers a powerful built-in PDF toolkit designed for seamless document management.
- 1. Download the PDF: Save the PDF attachment from your Gmail directly to your device's local storage.
- 2. Open with WPS Office: Launch WPS Office, tap on 'Open', and navigate to your Downloads folder to select the PDF file.
- 3. Share the document: Use the built-in 'Share' feature in WPS Office to instantly send the PDF via email or messaging apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF open in a browser tab instead of downloading from Gmail?
Clicking the center or text of the attachment often opens a web preview. To save the file directly to your computer, ensure you click the specific downward-pointing 'Download' arrow icon located on the attachment card.
Where do Gmail attachments go on an Android phone?
Downloaded attachments are typically saved in the device's 'Downloads' folder. You can easily access them by opening the 'Files' or 'My Files' app installed on your Android device and navigating to the Downloads directory.
Can I forward an email in Gmail with the original attachment already included?
Yes. When viewing the original email in Gmail, simply click 'Forward'. The original PDF attachment is usually included automatically at the bottom of the drafted message unless you manually click the 'X' to remove it.
How do I share a PDF directly from a mobile PDF reader app?
If you saved the file inside an app like Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office, simply open the PDF in that app, tap the 'Share' or three-dot menu icon, select 'Share via Email', enter the recipient's address, and send it directly.
