How to Keep the Original PDF Open When Opening an Attachment
Question details
The user wants to keep the original PDF document open and accessible when clicking to open a linked or attached PDF file.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking an attachment or cross-document link within an actively open PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The newly opened attached PDF closes or replaces the original document instead of opening alongside it in a separate tab or window.
Before modifying your settings, check if your original document is simply hidden in an adjacent tab at the top of your PDF reader window.
Disable Opening Cross-Document Links in the Same Window
Adjust your software preferences so that linked documents and attachments are forced to open in a new window or tab.
By default, some PDF readers replace your current view with the new document to save screen space. Changing the document preferences will force the application to keep your current reading session intact.
Open Adobe Acrobat, click on the 'Edit' menu at the top, and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown list.
In the left sidebar of the Preferences window, click on the 'Documents' category.
Locate the setting labeled 'Open cross-document links in same window' and clear its checkbox.
Click 'OK' to apply the new settings. Attached PDFs will now open in a separate tab or window.
Separate Document Tabs Manually
If the document opened in a new tab within the same interface, you can drag the tabs apart to view both PDFs simultaneously.
Disable Tabbed Viewing Entirely
Change your general settings to completely turn off the tabbed interface, forcing every opened PDF into a brand new application window.
Easily Manage Multiple PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a built-in PDF reader that natively supports robust multi-tab viewing and seamless screen splitting. You can comfortably open attachments in new tabs without ever losing your place in the original document.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Right-click your original PDF file and select 'Open with WPS Office'.
- 3. Click the Attachment: Click any embedded attachment or link; WPS PDF will automatically handle it in a convenient, non-intrusive new tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF attachment completely replace the document I was reading?
This happens because your PDF reader is configured by default to open cross-document links in the same window to save interface space. Disabling this specific setting in your preferences will force the new file into a separate tab.
Can the person who created the PDF force it to open in the same window?
Yes, document authors can set specific properties when creating or exporting a PDF. These embedded properties dictate how links and attachments behave and will sometimes override your local software preferences.
How do I view two PDFs side by side?
In most modern PDF readers with tab support, you can simply click and drag one of the PDF document tabs outside the main application window to detach it, allowing you to arrange the two windows side by side.
Does disabling the cross-document link setting apply to all PDF attachments?
Yes, unchecking 'Open cross-document links in same window' applies globally to your software. It affects how all cross-referenced documents and attachments open on your computer, unless strictly overridden by the PDF's creator.
