PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Stop Automatic PDF Links When Sharing by Email

Bushra Parveen Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to share a PDF file via email as a direct physical attachment rather than sending an automatically generated cloud link.

How to Send a PDF as an Email Attachment Instead of a Link

Product: PDF
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a PDF document with external recipients through an email application.
Observed behavior: The application automatically generates and inserts a cloud URL link into the email draft instead of attaching the actual PDF file.

Before you start

Ensure your default email client is properly set up on your device. Additionally, check that your PDF file size does not exceed your email provider's attachment limits, which is typically around 25MB.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Send a Copy Feature to Attach the PDF

By selecting the 'Send a copy' option, you instruct the application to bypass cloud link generation and physically attach the document to your email.

Many modern document readers default to cloud sharing to save space and facilitate collaboration. Utilizing the 'Send a copy' option overrides this default behavior, ensuring the recipient gets the actual file.

Open the Share menu

Open the PDF document you wish to share and tap or click the Share button. Alternatively, locate the file in your document list, select the More options icon (usually three dots), and choose Share.

Select 'Send a copy'

In the 'Share with others' dialog box that appears, look for and select the 'Send a copy' option at the bottom of the screen.

Choose your email application

A list of available sharing applications will appear. Select your preferred email app (such as Outlook, Gmail, or Apple Mail). The application will draft a new email with the PDF directly attached as a file.

Use the Send a Copy Feature to Attach the PDF

File Attached Successfully: Sending a copy ensures that the recipient can download and view the file offline without requiring special cloud access or permissions.

Effortless PDF Sharing

Easily Share PDFs as Direct Attachments with WPS Office

WPS Office offers a powerful, user-friendly PDF reader and editor that gives you full control over how you share your documents. You can easily choose to share your files as direct email attachments or lightweight links depending on your needs.

1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you wish to send.
2. Click on Share: Locate and click the 'Share' button on the top-right corner of the toolbar.
3. Choose Email Attachment: Select the 'Email as Attachment' option from the sharing drop-down menu.
4. Send the email: Your default email client will open with the PDF already attached. Simply add your recipient's address and hit send.

Instantly share PDFs as physical email attachments with a single click.Fully compatible with standard PDF formats and all Microsoft Office file types.Intuitive sharing interface that prevents accidental cloud link generation.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for daily document tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my PDF sharing as a link instead of a file attachment?

Many modern PDF viewers default to cloud-based link sharing to reduce email storage usage and allow for real-time document updates. This generates a URL link instead of a physical file attachment.

How can I share a PDF if the file is too large for an email attachment?

If your PDF exceeds the typical 20MB to 25MB email limit, you should either compress the PDF file using a PDF editor before attaching it, or revert to sharing it as a secure cloud link.

Will 'Send a copy' work with any email application?

Yes, selecting 'Send a copy' or 'Share as attachment' triggers your device's default email client. As long as your email app is configured properly, it will attach the file automatically.

Does the recipient need a cloud account to view a PDF sent as a copy?

No. When you send a copy, you are sending the actual PDF file. The recipient can open it offline using any standard PDF reader, web browser, or WPS Office without logging into any cloud service.

PDF Troubleshooting