How to Fix Linked PDF Attachments Not Opening After Sending
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where related PDF attachments linked within a parent PDF fail to open for the recipient.
- Product
- PDF Viewers and Editors
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user sends a parent PDF containing hyperlinks to related local PDF files to a recipient.
- Observed behavior
- The linked PDF files open correctly on the creator's desktop but fail for the recipient due to broken local file paths, missing files, or unsupported browser and mobile PDF viewers.
Ensure you have access to the original parent PDF file and all of the local PDF attachments in their original folders before you begin modifying the links.
Embed Related PDFs as File Attachments
The most reliable method to ensure recipients can open related PDFs is to embed the files directly into the parent document rather than linking to a local desktop path.
Embedding the files bundles everything into one single PDF document, bypassing the risk of missing files or broken file directory links.
Open your parent PDF in a professional desktop PDF editor. Navigate to the left-hand sidebar and click the 'Attachments' icon (usually shaped like a paperclip).
Click the 'Add Attachment' button in the panel, browse your computer's directories, and select the related PDF files you wish to include.
If you have text hyperlinks, edit their link properties. Instead of setting the action to open an external web page or local file, set the action to open the embedded file.
Save the parent PDF document. The file size will increase as the attachments are now integrated. Test it by sending it to yourself and opening it on a desktop viewer.
Use Relative Links and a Zipped Folder
If embedding is not an option, maintain link integrity by placing all files in one folder, configuring relative paths, and sending them together as a compressed archive.
Embed and Manage PDF Attachments with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a comprehensive PDF editor that allows you to effortlessly embed local files as attachments, ensuring your recipients can access all related documents without frustrating broken link errors.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and launch WPS Office on your desktop, then open your parent PDF file in the WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Access the Attachment Tool: Look at the left navigation pane and click on the 'Attachment' tab, represented by a paperclip icon.
- 3. Upload the Files: Click 'Add Attachment' to securely upload your local PDF files directly into the current document.
- 4. Save and Share: Save the document. You can now share this single, consolidated PDF confidently with your recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDF links work on my computer but not for the recipient?
When you link to a local file, the PDF saves your exact computer path (e.g., C:\User\Desktop\file.pdf). When the recipient clicks the link, their computer looks for that exact path on their own hard drive, which does not exist, causing the link to fail.
Can recipients open embedded PDF attachments on a mobile phone?
Generally, no. Most mobile PDF viewers and web browsers have limited functionality and do not support opening embedded attachments or resolving local-file links. Recipients should use a desktop PDF reader like WPS PDF or Adobe Acrobat to access these files.
What is a relative link in a PDF document?
A relative link points to a file's location relative to the parent document (for example, looking for a file simply named 'attachment.pdf' in the same folder) rather than using the full hard drive path. This allows the links to remain intact when transferred to another computer, provided the folder structure stays exactly the same.
