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How to Share PDF Files as Attachments on WhatsApp or Email
Question details
The user wants to send PDF files in their original format via WhatsApp or email, rather than sending a cloud link.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a PDF document with contacts via messaging apps or email clients.
- Observed behavior
- The shared PDF files appear as cloud links or provide an option to open them instead of being sent directly as physical file attachments.
Ensure that the PDF file is saved locally on your device rather than only in a cloud drive, and check that your PDF application is updated to the latest version to avoid sharing glitches.
Share as a Document Directly from WhatsApp or Email
The most reliable way to send a PDF as a physical file is to initiate the attachment process from within WhatsApp or your email client.
By attaching the file directly from the messaging or email app, you bypass the PDF reader's default sharing behavior, ensuring that a link is not generated.
Launch WhatsApp or your preferred email application and open the chat or compose a new email.
Tap the paperclip icon (in WhatsApp) or the attachment icon (in email) and select 'Document' or 'File' instead of 'Photo/Video'.
Browse your device's local storage, select the original PDF file you want to share, and tap 'Send'.
Use the 'Send a Copy' Feature in Your PDF App
If you prefer sharing directly from your PDF reader, you must select the correct sharing option to avoid sending a cloud link.
Use WPS Office to Share PDF Files Directly
WPS Office allows you to seamlessly share your PDF documents as original file attachments directly to WhatsApp, email, or other platforms without forcing a cloud link.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to share.
- 2. Tap the Share icon: Click on the 'Share' button located in the toolbar or bottom menu.
- 3. Select 'Share as File': Choose the 'Share as File' or 'Send Document' option to ensure you are not sending a link.
- 4. Choose your app: Select WhatsApp, Email, or another messaging app to send the actual PDF attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF send as a link instead of a file?
Many modern PDF readers default to cloud sharing to save storage space and allow real-time collaboration. To send the actual file, you must explicitly select 'Share a Copy' or 'Send as File' in the sharing menu.
How can I share a large PDF via WhatsApp or email?
If your PDF exceeds the email attachment limit (usually 25MB), you can use a PDF compressor tool to reduce its file size before attaching it. WhatsApp supports larger documents, but compressing is still recommended for faster sending.
How do I stop my app from automatically creating links?
Check your PDF application's settings to disable default cloud storage syncing, or manually select the 'Send File' option instead of the default 'Share' button every time you use the share menu.
