How to Import and Save iCloud PDFs in Adobe Acrobat on iPhone
Question details
The user wants to open a PDF file from iCloud Drive or the iOS Files app into Adobe Acrobat on an iPhone and save a copy for editing or sharing.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat, iOS Files
- Device & OS
- iPhone (iOS)
- Scenario
- Accessing and managing PDF files stored on iCloud Drive via the Adobe Acrobat application on an iOS device.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to successfully import an iCloud PDF into Acrobat, perform edits or annotations, and then save or share the updated file back to a desired location.
Ensure you have the Adobe Acrobat app installed from the App Store and that you are signed in to your Apple ID with iCloud Drive enabled on your iPhone.
Import and Save Directly Within Adobe Acrobat
Use the built-in document picker in Adobe Acrobat to browse your iCloud Drive, open the PDF, and save it back after viewing.
This is the most straightforward method as it allows you to access all your iCloud files without leaving the Adobe Acrobat interface.
Launch the Adobe Acrobat app on your iPhone and tap the file import option, often represented by a '+' icon or found under the 'Files' tab.
Choose 'Browse' or 'More Locations' from the document picker. Navigate to iCloud Drive or the specific folder in the Files app where your PDF is stored.
Tap the PDF file you wish to open. Acrobat will import the document, allowing you to view or edit its contents.
After importing or editing, tap the 'Share' icon or the 'More options' menu (three dots). Choose 'Save to Files' to store a copy back in iCloud Drive, or use 'Share' to send it to another app.

Open the PDF via the iOS Files App
Use the native iOS Files app to locate your PDF and send it directly to Adobe Acrobat if the in-app import option is not visible.
Manage and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office on iPhone
If you are looking for an all-in-one application to handle PDFs, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on your iPhone, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It provides a powerful PDF reader and editor that integrates perfectly with iCloud and the iOS Files app, offering a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and launch the free WPS Office app on your iPhone.
- 2. Access iCloud Files: Tap the 'Files' tab at the bottom, select 'Files App' or 'iCloud', and locate your document.
- 3. View and Annotate: Open your PDF in WPS Office to read, highlight, or annotate, then seamlessly save it back to your iCloud Drive.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see my iCloud Drive in the Acrobat document picker?
You may need to enable iCloud Drive access in the document picker. When the picker opens, tap 'Browse' at the top left, tap the three dots in the top right corner, select 'Edit', and ensure the toggle next to 'iCloud Drive' is turned on.
Can I edit a PDF imported from iCloud on my iPhone for free?
Adobe Acrobat allows you to view and make basic annotations for free, but premium editing features (like altering text or images) require a subscription. Alternative apps like WPS Office offer robust viewing and free annotation tools on mobile devices.
Where do files go when I tap 'Save to Files' on my iPhone?
When you select 'Save to Files', the native iOS file browser appears. This allows you to manually choose exactly which folder on your iPhone ('On My iPhone') or on your cloud storage ('iCloud Drive') you want to save the document in.
How do I share an iCloud PDF via email after editing it in Acrobat?
Once you have finished editing the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, tap the 'Share' icon, select 'Send a Copy', and then choose your preferred email app (like Apple Mail or Gmail) from the iOS share sheet to attach the document to a new email.




