How to Keep PDF Links When Adding a PDF to an Outlook Email
Question details
The user wants to retain clickable links in a PDF when inserting it into an Outlook email on a Mac, instead of losing them when adding it as an image.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook, PDF
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Adding a PDF file to the body of an Outlook email.
- Observed behavior
- Pasting the PDF as an image into the email body strips away all clickable links and interactive elements from the document.
Ensure you have the original PDF document saved locally on your Mac, as you will need the actual file to preserve hyperlinks rather than a copied image.
Send the PDF as an Email Attachment
Attaching the actual PDF file preserves its original format, including all embedded hyperlinks and interactive elements.
When you paste a PDF into an email body, Outlook converts it into a static image. Because images consist only of pixels, they cannot hold interactive data like hyperlinks. By sending the file as a standard attachment, the recipient downloads the actual document, ensuring all links work perfectly.
Open Outlook on your Mac and click on 'New Message' to start drafting your email.
Click the 'Attach File' (paperclip) icon located in the message ribbon at the top of the email window.
Browse your Mac's storage, select the PDF document you want to send, and click 'Choose' or 'Open'.
Compose the rest of your email and click 'Send'. The recipient can open the attached PDF in a standard PDF reader, where all links will remain clickable.
Share a Cloud Link to the PDF
If you want the content to be directly accessible from the email body without a heavy attachment, you can host the PDF online and share its link.
Use WPS Office to Edit and Share Clickable PDFs
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor that lets you easily insert, edit, and preserve hyperlinks. You can also share your PDF directly from the app as a link or email attachment without losing interactivity.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF file.
- 2. Verify Links: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab if you need to add or check any hyperlinks before sending.
- 3. Share the Document: Click on the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the WPS Office interface.
- 4. Choose Sharing Method: Select 'Create Link' to generate a shareable URL, or choose 'Email' to instantly attach the original file to a new email draft, preserving all links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embed a clickable PDF directly into the body of an Outlook email?
No, Outlook does not support embedding fully interactive PDFs directly in the email body. If you paste the document, it automatically converts to an image and loses its links. The best approach is to attach the file or provide a hyperlink to a hosted version of the PDF.
Why did my PDF hyperlinks disappear when viewed on a mobile device?
If you attached the PDF correctly, the links are still intact. However, some basic mobile email viewers render attachments as plain image previews for speed. Advise the recipient to open the file in a dedicated PDF reader app or browser to use the links.
How do I add new hyperlinks to a PDF before sending it?
You can use a dedicated PDF editor like WPS Office. Open your document, go to the 'Edit' tab, select the 'Link' tool, highlight the text or area you want to make clickable, and enter the destination web address.
Is there a size limit for sending PDF attachments in Outlook on Mac?
Yes, Outlook typically enforces a 20 MB or 33 MB file size limit for attachments, depending on your email provider. If your PDF exceeds this limit, you should upload it to a cloud drive and share the link in the email body instead.
