How to Allow Reviewers to Attach Files in a Shared PDF Review
Question details
Users need to allow reviewers to attach product images or files directly to PDF comments during a shared review.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Collaborating on a PDF document where reviewers and clients must insert supplementary images or documents at specific locations within the PDF.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat's cloud-based Share workflow limits reviewers to only five basic commenting tools, preventing them (especially those without Adobe accounts) from attaching files.
Verify whether your PDF review is hosted on Adobe's cloud services or a local network, as cloud-based reviews inherently restrict advanced commenting features like file attachments.
Switch to a Traditional Network-Hosted Review Workflow
Bypass Acrobat's cloud sharing limitations by hosting the shared review on a local network folder or SharePoint server to retain full commenting capabilities.
Adobe's modern cloud-based review platform intentionally limits commenting tools to streamline the web interface. By using the traditional shared commenting feature hosted on your own internal server, you ensure all reviewers have access to advanced tools, including the ability to attach files directly to the PDF.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF file you wish to send for review.
Navigate to the Tools menu and select 'Send for Comments' or 'Share', ensuring you bypass the default cloud-link generation.
Select the option to host the review on an 'Internal Server' or 'SharePoint' as your distribution method.
Complete the setup and invite your reviewers. When reviewers open the file in their local Acrobat desktop application, the 'Attach File' tool will be available.
Use an Email-Based PDF Review
Send the PDF document via standard email so reviewers can use their local desktop PDF software to add attachments before sending it back.
Use WPS Office for Comprehensive PDF Commenting
WPS Office provides a robust, built-in PDF editor that allows you to easily add rich comments, attach files, and insert images into any PDF document without relying on restrictive cloud services.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to review.
- 2. Navigate to the Comment tab: Click on the 'Comment' tab located on the top ribbon to access the review tools.
- 3. Select the Attachment tool: Click on the 'Attachment' icon to activate the file attachment tool.
- 4. Insert the file: Click on the exact location in the document where you want the file attached, then select your image or document from your computer.
- 5. Save and share: Save your annotated PDF and share it with your team via email or your local network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are advanced commenting tools missing in Acrobat's shared review?
Acrobat's cloud-based share links offer a simplified interface designed for basic, streamlined feedback. Advanced tools like file attachments, custom stamps, and rich media are disabled in this cloud mode to ensure cross-browser compatibility.
Can a reviewer without an Adobe account attach files to a PDF?
In an Adobe cloud-hosted review, anonymous users or those without accounts face severe commenting restrictions. However, if you send the file directly via email or use a local network review workflow, anyone with a standard desktop PDF reader can attach files.
How do I view attached files inside a PDF document?
You can view attached files by opening the Attachments panel (usually represented by a paperclip icon on the left sidebar of your PDF reader) or by double-clicking the specific attachment pin icon located directly on the PDF page.
