How to Share PDFs via Email Instead of Adobe Cloud Storage
Question details
The user wants to know how to share or save PDFs as direct email attachments rather than generating an Adobe Cloud storage link.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a PDF document for review or saving it locally without defaulting to cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- Using the Share feature in recent versions of Acrobat automatically creates a cloud-based file and link instead of attaching the PDF file to an email.
Verify that your default email client, such as Outlook or Apple Mail, is properly configured and set as the default application on your operating system before initiating an email-based review.
Start an Email-Based Review in Adobe Acrobat
Bypass the automatic Adobe Cloud link generation by using the specific email-based review tool hidden within Acrobat.
The standard 'Share' button in newer versions of Acrobat is designed to upload files to Adobe Document Cloud to facilitate real-time shared views. To send a physical file, you must revert to the legacy review workflow.
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat and navigate to the 'Tools' menu at the top of the interface.
Click on 'Send for Review' and look for the specific option labeled 'Start an email-based review'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to bypass the cloud upload and attach the PDF directly to a new email draft in your default desktop email client.
Save the PDF Locally and Attach to Email Manually
If the review tools still default to the cloud, manually save the file to your hard drive and attach it to your email message.
Easily Share PDF Files as Email Attachments with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a built-in PDF editor that allows you to easily share documents as direct email attachments without forcing you into mandatory cloud storage links. It is lightweight, free to download, and respects your local storage preferences.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer and open the PDF document you want to share.
- 2. Click the Share Button: Navigate to the top right corner of the toolbar and click the 'Share' icon.
- 3. Select Email Attachment: Choose the 'Email' option from the dropdown menu to automatically attach the physical PDF file to your default email client.
- 4. Send the Document: Enter the recipient's email address in your email client and send the document securely without creating a public cloud link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat create a link instead of attaching the PDF?
In recent updates, Adobe changed the default 'Share' behavior to generate an Adobe Cloud link. This is designed by Adobe to facilitate real-time collaboration and shared views, rather than sending multiple physical file copies over email.
Can I disable Adobe Document Cloud storage completely?
While you cannot completely remove the cloud integration in Acrobat DC, you can change your preferences by going to Edit > Preferences > General, and unchecking 'Show online storage when saving files' to prioritize saving files to your local hard drive.
Where are my cloud-based PDFs saved?
Files shared via the cloud link are saved in your Adobe Document Cloud account. You can manage, view, or delete them by logging into the Adobe Document Cloud web portal with your Adobe ID.
What if my mobile device doesn't support Adobe's default storage?
If you are using a mobile device, verify which third-party storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are connected to your Acrobat Reader app by checking the 'Locations' tab in the app's home screen.
