How can I attach a file to a PDF using Links & Attachments?

Open the Edit menu and select Link. Choose the Attachments option. Pick the file you want to attach. Save your PDF after attaching the file.

Why should I sanitize attachments before sharing a PDF?

To remove private or sensitive information. To keep your data safe from others. To avoid sharing files by mistake.

What is the difference between adding a link and attaching a file in Adobe Acrobat?

Adding a Link Attaching a File. Creates a clickable area in the PDF Includes a file inside the PDF Takes user to another page, site, or file Lets user open the attached file from the PDF Good for navigation Good for sharing extra files

Manage Embedded Files in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Add the signed NDA and the supplier's certificate of insurance as attachments to the master…+

Add the signed NDA and the supplier's certificate of insurance as attachments to the master contract PDF and save the combined file to [path=Contracts/Active] before [deadline=Friday] so legal has a single package to review.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Legal wants attachments clearly visible and not buried. Attach the NDA and COI to the contract…+

Legal wants attachments clearly visible and not buried. Attach the NDA and COI to the contract PDF, add a cover page listing attached documents and their dates, and ensure each attachment is bookmarked so reviewers can jump directly to them.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

CDecide — “help me choose”I need a single archival PDF that legal will accept. Advise whether to attach originals as…+

I need a single archival PDF that legal will accept. Advise whether to attach originals as embedded files, append them as pages, or both, considering searchability and preservation. Recommend the option that balances long-term record integrity with immediate reviewer convenience, and outline the exact steps I should take.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the Tools tab and choose Edit PDF.
3
Click on Link in the secondary toolbar, then select Add link.
4
Drag to draw a rectangle where you want the link to appear.
5
In the dialog that appears, select the link appearance and choose the link action, such as Open a web page or Go to a page view.
6
Click Next and enter the URL or destination as required, then click OK.
7
To attach a file, select the Tools tab and choose Edit PDF.
8
Click on Attach in the secondary toolbar and select Attach File.
9
Click on the location in the PDF where you want the attachment icon to appear.
10
In the dialog, browse to select the file you want to attach, then click Open.
11
Optionally, add a description for the attachment, then click OK.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly check all links and attachments in your PDF by opening the Attachments panel from the left navigation pane.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

AttachmentA file that is added inside a PDF, so it travels with the PDF.ExampleThe email included an attachment of the full contract, which opened as a PDF.

LinkA clickable area that takes you to another place or file.ExampleClicking the link on the webpage opened a new tab with the product's specifications.

SanitizeTo remove sensitive or private information from a document before sharing it.ExampleRemember to sanitize the document by redacting personal details before sharing it publicly.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

We finalized a contract but supporting documents are scattered across email.

FAQ

about this task

Open the Edit menu and select Link.
Choose the Attachments option.
Pick the file you want to attach.
Save your PDF after attaching the file.

An attachment in a PDF is a file that is stored inside the PDF document. It is useful because you can keep related files together in one place, making it easy to share everything someone needs with just one PDF.

Yes, if you attach files to a PDF and send it, the person who gets the PDF can open and see all the attached files. Always check your attachments for private or sensitive information before sharing.

To remove private or sensitive information.
To keep your data safe from others.
To avoid sharing files by mistake.

Adding a Link	Attaching a File
Creates a clickable area in the PDF	Includes a file inside the PDF
Takes user to another page, site, or file	Lets user open the attached file from the PDF
Good for navigation	Good for sharing extra files

Manage Embedded Files

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help