Fix Acrobat Cannot Send or Share a PDF After macOS Yosemite Update
Question details
Users are unable to email PDF files or create shareable links directly from their PDF application after updating their Mac operating system.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- macOS Yosemite
- Scenario
- Attempting to share or email a PDF document directly from within the PDF reader software.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to attach the PDF to an email or generate a shareable link, often with no response or a compatibility error message.
Ensure your Mac has an active internet connection and that your default email application (like Apple Mail) is properly set up and signed in.
Update Adobe Acrobat to the Latest Version
Updating the application fixes known bugs and ensures compatibility with the new macOS Yosemite environment.
Major operating system updates often change core system APIs, which can break features in older software versions. Installing the latest patches for your PDF software usually resolves these compatibility problems.
Launch the Adobe Acrobat application on your Mac from the Applications folder or Launchpad.
Click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, then select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown menu.
If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac and try sending or sharing a PDF document again.

Verify macOS Default Email Reader Settings
The PDF software relies on the system's default email client to send files; incorrect settings can break this link.
Manually Attach the PDF as a Workaround
If the built-in share feature remains unresponsive, manually attaching the saved file is a reliable and quick alternative.
Use WPS PDF to Easily Share and Send PDFs on Mac
Avoid macOS compatibility issues by using WPS PDF. It offers a lightweight, modern environment to read, edit, and instantly share PDF files via email or cloud links without errors.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office for Mac and open your PDF document.
- 2. Access the Share Tool: Click the 'Share' button located in the top right corner of the application interface.
- 3. Email the PDF: Select the 'Email' option to automatically open your default mail client with the PDF attached.
- 4. Create a Shareable Link: Alternatively, select 'Create Link' to instantly generate a secure, shareable URL for your document.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the macOS Yosemite update break the email function in Acrobat?
Operating system updates often introduce new security protocols and API changes. Older versions of Acrobat may lack the necessary updates to communicate correctly with the newly updated macOS Mail app or system sharing services.
How do I fix the 'Cannot create a shareable link' error?
This usually indicates a connection issue with Adobe Document Cloud. Ensure you are signed into your Adobe account within the application, verify your internet connection, or update the software to patch cloud sync bugs.
Can I share a PDF via a link without using a built-in application feature?
Yes. You can manually upload the PDF file to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud Drive, and then generate a shareable link directly from those platforms.
Where can I find error logs if Acrobat keeps failing to send PDFs?
You can find application error logs by opening the 'Console' app on your Mac (located in Applications > Utilities). Look under 'User Reports' or 'Crash Reports' for entries related to your PDF application to identify specific error codes.




