How to Solve PDF Not Attaching to Email Outlook/Gmail? 7 Methods

Whether sharing reports, contracts, or personal documents, you might need to attach a PDF to an email.

However, some users often encounter frustrating situations: PDF not attaching to email in Outlook or Gmail.

This problem is usually caused by a combination of factors, including file-related issues, email service limitations, software conflicts, or system settings.

Below is a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving PDF attachment problems on Windows.

Why Is My PDF Not Attaching to Email?

Here are some possible reasons why you are unable to send an email with PDF attachments.

• The PDF file is too large. Email providers enforce strict attachment size caps to prevent server overload. File size limit in Outlook is 20-25MB, and in Gmail is 25MB.
• The client or browser issues. The email program (Outlook desktop app or web browser for Gmail/Outlook) might have a bug or conflicting settings.
• Software conflicts. The PDF file may have been flagged as malware by security or antivirus software, preventing it from being added to your email.
• The PDF file is corrupted. The PDF file itself may be damaged or not properly formatted.
• Poor internet connection. There may be a problem with your network that prevents you from attaching the PDF file to your email.

How to Fix PDF Not Attaching to Email?

Here are effective methods that can help you troubleshoot the PDF not attaching to email issue.

Method 1. Check the PDF File

If your PDF file is corrupted, you are unable to attach it to an email.

Try opening the PDF on your computer first. If it opens, the file is likely fine. If not, re-download or re-create the PDF file, or repair it.

How to Repair Damaged or Corrupted PDFs? [Solved]

Do you want to repair damaged or corrupted PDFs? If so, this post is what you need. It provides you with a full PDF repair guide.

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Method 2. Reduce the PDF File Size

Most email providers limit attachments. A large PDF will fail to attach. What to do if your PDF file exceeds this limit? Here are two choices for you:

1. Compress PDFs into ZIP files
2. Reduce the size of PDF files

Option 1. Compress the PDF to a ZIP File

To reduce the PDF file size, you can compress it into a ZIP file without loss of quality. ZIP compression uses mathematical algorithms to repackage data without discarding any information. Using this method, the output is a .zip archive that needs to be unzipped.

1. In File Explorer, right-click the PDF file and select the Compress to option in the context menu.
2. Select ZIP File from the submenu.
3. A new ZIP file will be created in the same location, with the same name as the original file.

Option 2. Reduce the PDF File Size

To reduce the PDF file size and retain a .pdf file format, a professional PDF editor is needed.

MiniTool PDF Editor offers three compression levels: low, medium, and high. Generally, text and simple images in PDF files remain largely unchanged, but the quality of complex images will be affected.

If you want to reduce the PDF file size without sacrificing image quality, you should choose a lower level.

Now, follow the steps below to compress the PDF file size using MiniTool PDF Editor. Click the button below to download and install it on your computer.

MiniTool PDF EditorClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1. Right-click the PDF file you want to compress and choose Open with > MiniTool PDF Editor.

Step 2. Click the Edit tab and choose Compress.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, change the Compression Level, Output Path. Then, click the Start button.

• Compression Level: The default setting is "Medium". You can change it to "Low" or "High" from the drop-down menu. A higher compression rate will produce a smaller file, but the image quality will be reduced accordingly.
• Output Path: By default, files are saved to the current directory of the document. You can choose the desktop, or click the three-dot icon to browse and select another location.

After the compression is completed, you will get a smaller PDF file. Then attach it to an email.

Method 3. Update Outlook and Browser

An older version of the software had a vulnerability that prevented PDF files from being attached to emails. Try updating your client or browser to resolve this issue.

Update Outlook

1. Open Outlook and click File.
2. Click Office Account > Updated Options > Update Now.

Update Browser

Here are the steps to update the Google Chrome browser:

1. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for and begin downloading updates.
4. If an update was installed, click Relaunch to apply it. If you don't see the Relaunch button, the browser is already up to date.

Additionally, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies may help you resolve this issue. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots and choose Delete browsing data.

Method 4. Disable Security Software

Security software may interfere with the email attachment. Try to temporarily disable the antivirus/firewall to see if it’s the issue, then re-enable it.

Method 5. Check Internet Connection

A poor internet connection can interrupt the upload process. So, ensure a stable internet connection. Try restarting your router or modem, or connect to a different network.

Method 6. Disable Compatibility Mode

On older operating systems, Outlook automatically enters compatibility mode. This may prevent you from adding attachments correctly. You can disable compatibility mode by following these steps:

1. Right-click Outlook and select Properties.
2. Click the Compatibility tab.
3. Uncheck the check box next to Run this program in compatibility mode.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

Method 7. Send PDF Files via a OneDrive Link

If the above methods don’t work, use a cloud storage service like OneDrive to share a link to the file instead of attaching it directly.

1. Go to the OneDrive website in your browser and sign in.
2. Locate the PDF file.
3. Select the file and click the Share button at the top of the page.
4. Adjust permissions by clicking Link settings, choosing your desired options (e.g., Anyone with the link can view), and selecting Apply.
5. Select Copy link and paste it into your email.

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Bottom Line

That’s all about how to fix PDF not attaching to email in Outlook or Gmail. From the above information, you can get 6 effective methods.

If you have any problems or suggestions when using MiniTool PDF Editor, contact us by sending an email to [email protected]. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.