How to Attach a Fillable PDF to an Email on iPhone
Question details
The user is trying to find the option to attach and send a fillable PDF document to an email from their iPhone after a recent app and system update.
- Product
- PDF Reader Apps
- Device & OS
- iOS / iPhone
- Scenario
- Attempting to share a filled PDF form with another person via email directly from the PDF viewing application.
- Observed behavior
- The direct option to attach the PDF to an email is no longer visible in its previous location, preventing the user from easily sending the document.
Ensure you have completely filled out the PDF form and saved your progress, and verify that your preferred email application (like Apple Mail, Gmail, or Outlook) is installed and signed in on your iPhone.
Use the 'Share a Copy' Feature via iOS Share Sheet
Since recent app updates, sharing options have been integrated into the standard iOS Share Sheet. You must choose to share a copy of the file to your desired email client.
In updated versions of PDF reading apps on iOS, the interface for sharing documents relies on the native Apple sharing menu. Selecting 'Share a Copy' ensures that the actual file, complete with your filled-in form data, is attached to the email rather than just a web link.
Open the fillable PDF document you want to send, or locate it in the app's file browser and tap the three-dot menu icon next to the file name.
Tap the 'Share' icon from the menu.
Look for and tap the 'Share a Copy' button to generate an email attachment rather than a link.
The iOS Share Sheet will appear. Scroll horizontally through the app icons and select your preferred email app, such as Apple Mail, Gmail, or Microsoft Outlook.
If you do not see your email app, scroll to the far right of the app list, tap 'More', and toggle on your desired email application.
Easily Fill and Email PDFs with WPS Office on iPhone
WPS Office for iOS provides a powerful, user-friendly PDF reader and editor. It allows you to seamlessly fill out PDF forms, save your data securely, and instantly share the document as an email attachment without dealing with confusing share menus.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch the WPS Office app on your iPhone and open the fillable PDF file.
- 2. Fill out the form: Tap on the interactive fields to enter your information, then tap 'Save' to ensure your data is stored.
- 3. Access the share menu: Tap the 'Share' icon located at the bottom navigation bar.
- 4. Send via email: Choose the 'Email' option from the list to instantly attach the completed PDF to a new email draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PDF blank when the recipient opens the email?
This usually happens if the PDF form data was not saved properly before sharing. Make sure you are using the 'Share a Copy' option, which flattens or embeds the filled data into the file, rather than just sharing a link to the original blank document.
Can I attach a PDF directly from the Apple Mail app instead?
Yes. Open the Apple Mail app, start a new email, and tap anywhere in the message body to bring up the keyboard and action menu. Tap the '<' arrow on the keyboard toolbar, select the 'Document' icon (Attach File), and browse your iPhone's Files app to attach your PDF.
How do I make my preferred email app appear first in the iOS Share Sheet?
Open any document and tap 'Share' to bring up the iOS Share Sheet. Swipe left on the row of app icons until you see 'More' and tap it. Tap 'Edit' in the top right corner, then tap the green '+' next to your email app to add it to your Favorites. You can use the three-line icon to drag it to the top of the list.
