Fix Acrobat Send File by Email Blank Window on macOS Catalina
Question details
The user encounters a blank white window when attempting to use the 'Send File by Email' feature in Acrobat Pro DC 2020.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC 2020
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Trying to share or email a PDF document directly from within the Acrobat application.
- Observed behavior
- Selecting the 'Send File by Email' option brings up an unresponsive, blank white window instead of triggering the email client.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and verify that you have a desktop email client (like Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook) installed and logged in.
Set Default Email Client and Update Acrobat
Configure your Mac's default mail application properly and ensure Acrobat is running the latest version to restore email integration.
macOS Catalina requires explicit permissions and a designated default email application to allow third-party programs like Acrobat to hand off files. A missing default configuration or outdated Acrobat software can disrupt this connection, resulting in a blank interface.
Open the 'Apple Mail' application on your Mac. Go to 'Mail' > 'Preferences' from the top menu bar, click on the 'General' tab, and set 'Default email reader' to Apple Mail or your preferred desktop email client.
Completely quit Adobe Acrobat and Apple Mail. Restart your Mac running macOS Catalina to ensure the new default application preferences are applied system-wide.
Reopen Adobe Acrobat. Navigate to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' and install any available updates to ensure full compatibility with macOS Catalina.
Use Manual Attachment or Alternative Workflows
Bypass the broken integration by manually attaching the PDF or using Acrobat's cloud-based sharing tools.
Share and Email PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid blank windows and email integration errors on macOS by using WPS Office's streamlined PDF tools to quickly attach and send your documents without hassle.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and open the PDF file you wish to send.
- 2. Click the Share option: Locate and click the 'Share' or 'Email' icon on the top toolbar within the PDF interface.
- 3. Select Email Attachment: Choose the option to send the document as an email attachment.
- 4. Send the email: WPS Office will automatically open your Mac's default email client with the PDF securely attached. Simply enter the recipient's address and hit send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat show a blank window when sending an email on a Mac?
This issue typically occurs due to a lack of a designated default email client in macOS settings, outdated Acrobat software, or interference from Catalina's strict security and privacy permissions preventing the app from launching the mail client.
Can I use webmail like Gmail with Acrobat's Send File by Email?
Yes, you can configure webmail accounts within Acrobat by going to Preferences > Email Accounts. However, if your browser blocks pop-ups or if the authentication window fails to load properly, it can also result in a blank screen.
How do I repair Adobe Acrobat on Mac?
Unlike the Windows version, macOS does not feature a direct 'Repair Installation' option for Acrobat. To fix corrupted installations, you must run the uninstaller located in the Applications > Adobe Acrobat folder, then download and reinstall the software via the Adobe Creative Cloud app.
