Why Attachments Disappear from Acrobat Document Cloud Reviews & How to Fix It
Question details
Users notice that file attachments added to a PDF disappear when the document is reopened during an active Adobe Document Cloud Review session.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding file attachments to a PDF while participating in or initiating an online Document Cloud Review.
- Observed behavior
- The attachments fail to save or display and disappear completely when the review document is reopened.
Ensure you have saved a local backup of your original PDF document containing the attachments before initiating any online review workflows.
Add Attachments Before Starting the Document Cloud Review
Since the Document Cloud Review environment restricts certain editing tools, including adding attachments mid-process, you should embed all necessary files before initiating the review workflow.
Online review platforms like Document Cloud are highly optimized for web browsers, which inherently limits complex PDF functionalities such as embedding new attachments. Adding the attachment during an active review state causes it to be discarded upon saving or reopening.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and open your original, non-review PDF file locally on your computer.
Navigate to the 'Tools' menu, select 'Edit PDF', and click on 'More' > 'Attach File' to add your necessary documents.
Go to 'File' > 'Save' to ensure the attachments are fully embedded into the local copy of the PDF.
Use the 'Share' or 'Send for Review' feature to start the Document Cloud Review process only after the document has been saved.
Use Alternative File Sharing Workflows
Bypass Document Cloud limitations by utilizing traditional file sharing methods to collaborate on PDFs that require complex attachments.
Manage PDF Attachments and Reviews Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid restricted commenting tools and disappearing attachments by using WPS Office. With its powerful built-in PDF toolkit, you can securely attach files, insert detailed comments, and share documents effortlessly without losing critical data during the review process.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the built-in PDF viewer and editor.
- 2. Insert Attachments: Navigate to the 'Comment' or 'Insert' tab, select the 'Attachment' icon, and choose the file you wish to embed.
- 3. Add Review Comments: Utilize the comprehensive 'Comment' tab to add highlights, text boxes, and stamps directly to the document.
- 4. Save and Share: Save your document locally or share it directly with collaborators via WPS Cloud without worrying about lost features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do certain PDF commenting tools not work during a Document Cloud Review?
Document Cloud Review is primarily designed to be handled in a web browser. Because standard web browsers do not support complex PDF rendering and editing protocols, Adobe disables advanced features—like attachments and specific commenting tools—to maintain platform stability during online reviews.
Can I recover an attachment that disappeared from my review document?
If the attachment was added during the active online review state and subsequently disappeared upon reopening, it is likely lost as it was never successfully synced to the cloud. Always keep a local copy and add attachments before starting the review process.
How do I check if my PDF already has attachments?
Open your PDF document in a desktop application like Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office. Locate the Attachments panel, typically represented by a paperclip icon on the left-hand navigation pane, to view all embedded files.
