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Fix Cannot Open Document to Send as PDF File

Phi Hung Vo Oct 18, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to use their scanning feature or open documents to send them as a PDF attachment.

How to Fix Issues When Opening and Sending Scanned Documents as PDFs

Product: Scanning Applications (e.g., Adobe Scan)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to scan a physical document using a mobile app and share it as a PDF email attachment.
Observed behavior: The scanning capability fails, or the application prevents the user from directly opening and sending the scanned document as an email attachment.

Before you start

Verify that your scanning application is up to date and that you have granted it the necessary camera and storage permissions in your device settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the 'Share a Copy' Feature in Your App

If direct email integration fails, manually sharing a copy of the file bypasses the built-in email trigger and often resolves attachment issues.

Many mobile scanning applications experience communication errors with default email clients. Using the 'Share a Copy' option allows your device's native sharing menu to handle the file transfer, ensuring the PDF is attached correctly.

Open Recent Scans

Launch your scanning application and navigate to the 'Recent' tab or your library of scanned documents.

Initiate Sharing

Tap the 'Share' icon located next to or below the document you wish to send.

Select Share a Copy

Choose the 'Share a Copy' option from the menu instead of the direct email button.

Choose Email Client

Select your preferred email application from your device's sharing sheet to attach and send the PDF.

Use the 'Share a Copy' Feature in Your App

Sharing Workaround: This method works across most major scanning apps and ensures your file format remains an intact PDF.

Solution 2

Verify App Version and Permissions

Outdated software or revoked permissions can prevent scanning apps from capturing or exporting files properly.

Built-in Mobile Scanner

Scan and Share Documents as PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office

Skip the hassle of managing multiple apps for scanning and emailing. WPS Office features a powerful built-in document scanner that allows you to capture, edit, and share high-quality PDFs directly from your mobile device.

1. Open the Scanner: Launch the WPS Office mobile app and tap the 'Scanner' or 'Camera' icon on the home screen.
2. Capture Document: Align your physical document in the camera view and take a photo. WPS will automatically detect the edges and enhance the text.
3. Save as PDF: Tap 'Done' after making any necessary adjustments, and select 'Save as PDF' to store the document.
4. Share Instantly: Open the newly saved PDF, tap 'Share' at the bottom menu, and choose your email or messaging app to send the attachment.

Built-in mobile scanner to instantly convert paper documents into clear PDF files.Fully compatible with Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office formats.Easily compress, annotate, and share PDFs as email attachments in seconds.Free, lightweight, and easy-to-use all-in-one mobile office suite.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my PDF scanning app not attaching files to my emails?

This is usually caused by a communication glitch between the scanning app and your phone's default email client. Using the 'Share a Copy' feature forces your device's native operating system to handle the file attachment, which resolves the issue.

How do I fix a scanning app that suddenly stopped taking pictures?

Check your device settings to ensure the app still has permission to access your camera. Sometimes operating system updates can revoke permissions for third-party apps. Re-enabling the camera permission should restore functionality.

Can I scan multiple pages into a single PDF document on mobile?

Yes, most modern apps like WPS Office allow you to capture multiple pages sequentially. After taking the first scan, look for an 'Add Page' or '+' icon on the screen to continue scanning before saving the final multi-page PDF.

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