Attachment Issues

How to Send a PDF as an Email Attachment Instead of a Shared Link

Elise Williams Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to send a PDF document directly as an email attachment rather than as a cloud-sharing link, which forces the recipient to click a URL to view the file.

How to Send a PDF as an Email Attachment Instead of a Shared Link

Product: PDF Reader / Email Client
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a completed PDF document with a recipient via email without requiring them to access external cloud services.
Observed behavior: When attempting to send the PDF, the software automatically generates and inserts a shared file link into the email draft instead of attaching the actual document file.

Before you start

Ensure your PDF file size is under your email provider's attachment limit (usually 20MB to 25MB), as oversized files are often automatically converted into cloud links by email clients.

Solution 1Recommended

Save the PDF Locally and Attach Manually

Bypassing the built-in share feature by saving the file to your device ensures it attaches as a standard, standalone file.

Many modern PDF readers default to cloud sharing to save space and track document views. By saving a local copy of the file first, you can use the traditional attachment method in your email client.

Save a local copy

Open your PDF document in your reader or editor. Click on 'File' and select 'Save As' or 'Download a Copy' to save the PDF to a recognizable folder on your device, such as your Desktop or Documents folder.

Compose a new email

Open your preferred email application (like Outlook, Gmail, or Apple Mail) and click 'New Message' or 'Compose'.

Attach the file

Click the 'Attach File' (paperclip) icon in the email composition window. Browse your computer to locate the PDF you just saved.

Send the email

Select the PDF file and click 'Open' or 'Insert'. Wait for the progress bar to finish loading, confirming it is attached as a physical file, then send your email.

Save the PDF Locally and Attach Manually

Solution 2

Use the Send a Copy Option in Your PDF Software

If you prefer using the built-in share button, you must explicitly choose to send a file copy rather than a cloud link.

Easily Send PDFs with WPS Office

Send PDFs Directly as Email Attachments with WPS Office

WPS Office simplifies document sharing by allowing you to easily send PDFs, Word documents, and spreadsheets directly as email attachments in just a few clicks, bypassing forced cloud links.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you wish to send.
2. Access sharing options: Go to the 'Menu' in the top-left corner and click on the 'Share' option.
3. Select Email: Choose 'Email' from the available sharing methods.
4. Send as an attachment: Click 'Document'. WPS Office will immediately open your default email client with the PDF natively attached and ready to send.

Directly attach PDFs to emails with a single click without generating links.Fully compatible with Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office formats.Built-in PDF editing, merging, and compressing tools to manage file sizes.Lightweight, fast, and free to use for everyday document tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my email automatically change my PDF attachment to a link?

This usually happens because the PDF file size exceeds the maximum attachment limit set by your email provider (often 20MB or 25MB). When this occurs, email providers automatically upload the file to their cloud drive (like Google Drive or OneDrive) and insert a link instead. Compressing the PDF before attaching can resolve this.

How do I stop Adobe Acrobat from sending links by default?

You can bypass Adobe's Document Cloud link generation by using the 'Send as Attachment' or 'Send a Copy' option at the bottom of the sharing pane. Alternatively, simply save the file to your computer first and attach it manually via your email client.

Does the recipient need specific software to open a PDF attachment?

No. Unlike shared cloud links that might occasionally require account logins or specific permissions, standard PDF attachments can be opened directly using built-in web browsers (like Chrome or Edge) or any basic PDF reader currently installed on the recipient's device.

Outlook & Email Problems