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Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Add Attachments to PDFs in Adobe Acrobat (Updated Interface)

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This tutorial shows how to add attachments to PDFs in Adobe Acrobat using the updated interface on both PC and Mac. You can attach many different file types including other PDFs, Microsoft Word files, Excel files, images, and videos.

We will also look at how to open, delete, and add descriptions to attachments.

If you are using an older version of Adobe Acrobat, please see the previous version of this tutorial.

Table of Contents

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The steps to attach, delete, and describe attachments don’t apply to Adobe’s free PDF display software, Acrobat Reader. However, you can open attachments with Reader.

What Is the Difference between Attaching and Linking Files?

When you attach a file to a PDF, the attachment will travel with the PDF if you move it to a different folder or server. You can also create in-text links from the main PDF to specific page views within PDF attachments.

When you link a file, that file does not travel with the PDF, so the link will break if the linked file is moved to a different location.

How to Add Attachments to PDFs

Important Note: Some file types, such as execution and zip files, can cause security issues that may prevent your PDF from opening.

  1. Select Edit in the toolbar.
  2. Select More in the Edit panel.
More option in the Edit panel in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 1. More link
  1. Select the Attach file option.
Attach file option in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 2. Attach file option
  1. Locate and select the file you want to attach in the Add Files dialog box.
  2. Select the Open button.
Add Files dialog box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 3. Open button

Your attachment will appear in the Attachments panel.

How to Open Attachments (Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader)

Important Note: Your readers must have the corresponding software to open the attachment. For example, if you attach a Microsoft Excel file, your readers need to have Excel installed on their computer.
  1. Select the Attachment button in the side panel.
Attachment Panel button in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 4. Attachment panel button
  1. Use one of three methods to open the attachment:
    • Double-click the attachment in the Attachments panel.
    • Right-click (PC) or Control-click (Mac) the attachment and then select Open Attachment from the shortcut menu.
Open Attachment in the Attachment panel shortcut menu in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 5. Open Attachment shortcut option
    • Select the attachment, select the three-dot Options menu, and then select Open Attachment from the drop-down menu.
Open Attachment option in the Attachments panel in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 6. Open Attachment option
  1. If the attachment is not a PDF (e.g., Word file, Excel file), choose an option from the Open File dialog box:
    • Open the File
    • Always allow opening files of this type
    • Never allow opening files of this type
  1. Select the OK button.
Open File dialog box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 7. OK button

Non-PDF attachments will open in their respective software. PDF attachments will open in a separate tab in Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

How to Delete Attachments

  1. Right-click (PC) or Control-click (Mac) the attachment in the Attachments panel and then select Delete Attachment from the shortcut menu.
Delete Attachment in the Attachment panel shortcut menu in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 8. Delete Attachment shortcut option
  1. (Alternative) Select the attachment, select the three-dot Options menu, and then select Delete Attachment from the drop-down menu.
Delete Attachment option in the Options menu in the Attachments panel in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 9. Delete Attachment
  1. Select the Yes button in the dialog box asking if you are sure you want to delete the attachment.
Delete Attachment Dialog Box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 10. Yes button

The attachment should be removed from the Attachments panel immediately.

How to Add Descriptions to Attachments

Descriptions help your readers understand the purpose of the attachments before they open the files.

  1. Right-click (PC) or Control-click (Mac) the attachment in the Attachments panel and then select Edit Description from the shortcut menu.
Edit Description option in the Attachments panel shortcut menu in Adobe Acrobat
11. Edit Description shortcut menu
  1. (Alternative) Select the attachment, select the three-dot Options menu, and then select Edit Description from the drop-down menu.
Edit Description option in the Attachments panel in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 12. Edit Description option
  1. Enter a description in the Edit Attachment Description dialog box.
  2. Select the OK button.
Edit Attachment Description Dialog Box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 13. Edit Attachment Description dialog box

Your description should appear in the Description section of the Attachments panel.

Pro Tip: Customize the Attachments Panel

If the Description section is obscured, drag the border to the left to expand the panel.

You can also click, hold, and drag the Description section in front of the Name section if desired.

Description section in the Attachments panel in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 14. Description section and border handle in the Attachments panel

Related Resources

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How to Split PDFs in Adobe Acrobat (Updated Interface)

Updated February 23, 2025