How to Create a PDF Bookmark That Opens Another PDF
Question details
The user needs to set up a bookmark within a primary PDF document that acts as a shortcut to automatically open a separate, external PDF file.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Linking supplementary materials, such as an appendix or a reference guide, from a primary PDF file using the bookmarks panel.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants the bookmark click action to trigger the opening of a specific external PDF file rather than navigating to a page within the same document.
Ensure both your primary PDF and the destination PDF (e.g., the appendix) are saved in the exact same folder before creating the link. This helps establish a stable relative path so the link won't break if you move the folder to another drive.
Set Bookmark Actions to Open an External File
Use your PDF editor's bookmark properties to assign a specific action that triggers a secondary file to open.
When you configure a bookmark to open an external file, keeping both files in a stable directory ensures the path remains intact. Be aware that some PDF readers might display a security warning when opening an external file from a link.
Open your primary PDF in your advanced PDF editor. Open the Bookmarks panel, navigate to the desired page, and click the 'New Bookmark' icon. Give the bookmark a recognizable name.
Right-click the newly created bookmark in the panel and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
In the Properties dialog, click on the 'Actions' tab. Under the 'Select Action' drop-down menu, choose 'Open a file', and then click the 'Add' button.
A file explorer window will appear. Browse to locate the secondary PDF (e.g., your appendix document) that you want to link to, select it, and confirm your choice.
If there is a default 'Go to a page in this document' action listed under the existing actions box, select it and click 'Delete'. This ensures that clicking the bookmark only triggers the external file to open.
Manage PDF Bookmarks and Links with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a highly capable built-in PDF editor that allows you to read, annotate, edit, and interlink your PDF documents. Easily insert hyperlinks to external files and webpages with a few clicks.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your primary PDF file.
- 2. Insert a hyperlink: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab and click on the 'Link' tool. Draw a rectangular area over the text or image you want to act as a button.
- 3. Link to the external PDF: In the Link Properties dialog, choose the option to open an external file. Browse your computer and select the target PDF document.
- 4. Save and test: Save your PDF document. Switch to the Hand tool and click the newly created link to verify that it successfully opens the second PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF link break when I email it to someone else?
When you link to another file, the document uses a file path specific to your local computer. If you email only the primary PDF, the recipient will not have the linked file on their device, which breaks the connection. To prevent this, place both files in the same folder, compress the folder into a ZIP file, and email the entire ZIP file to the recipient.
Can I use relative paths for external PDF bookmarks?
Yes. By saving both the main PDF and the destination PDF in the same local folder before setting up the action, most professional PDF editors will automatically generate a relative path. This ensures the link remains functional even if the folder is moved to a different drive or device.
Is there a way to embed the second PDF inside the first one instead of just linking it?
Yes, rather than relying on external links that might break, you can add the second PDF as a file attachment within the primary PDF. Using the 'Attachments' panel in your PDF editor ensures the supplementary file is embedded and travels with the main document automatically.
