You can send something in PDF form as attachments or links via email, cloud storage, messaging apps, file transfer solutions, etc.

through email, cloud storage services, messaging apps, secure transfer solutions, video conferencing apps, and project management platforms

. Generally, they will be shared as attachments or links.

PDF is a widely used format, mainly because it preserves layouts and maintains compatibility across devices. It is excellent for both professional and personal use; however, sharing it incorrectly can expose you to cyberthreats.

Follow along as we explain the six methods to send PDFs in more detail. We will also provide tips to help you send fully polished, professional documents, regardless of the method you use.

There are six ways you can send something in PDF form: emailing, creating a shareable link from your cloud storage service, messaging it, using a secure file transfer solution, sharing it during a conferencing call, or attaching it to a project management platform.

You should send documents as PDFs because this format preserves your content’s layout and is secure, compatible with most devices, accessible, stable, and ATS-friendly.

To send professional PDFs, you should polish them, compress them, name them properly, remove unnecessary restrictions, and test them on another device beforehand.

Send PDFs without attachments

How to Send Something in PDF Form: Step-by-Step Guide

, you can use email, cloud storage services, messaging apps, specific PDF sending options, video conferencing apps, and project management platforms. Let’s take a closer look at each option.

email PDF files using Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, etc.

The specific steps will vary a bit depending on the platform you are on, but in general, you will attach the PDF to an email message, wait a few seconds for it to load fully, and then press 

. The size limit for the three common email providers we just mentioned is up to 25MB.

This is a simple way to share PDF files, especially for corporate professionals 

who are wary about accidentally exposing important information, as email providers feature the tool for sending notifications when the recipient is outside the organization before sending.

; a study in 2020 found that there is an email breach roughly 

. To ensure secure PDF sharing, you should consider encrypting and password-protecting your documents.

. You can do so on Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

You add your recipients’ email addresses to the documents and grant access.

You create a link that provides access and then send it to your recipients.

remember to control the PDF permissions carefully

; think about what you want your recipients to be able to do; can they 

Sending something in PDF form through cloud storage services is recommended if it is difficult for you to 

Moreover, your recipients don’t necessarily have to 

 or system crashes due to heavy resource usage. This is additionally convenient if they are on mobile devices, as downloading might not work or take a lot of time.

Using cloud storage services to send PDFs online is especially great for professionals who are in certain enterprise ecosystems

, such as Google Workspace, Dropbox Business, or OneDrive for Business. They can streamline their workflow by sending, receiving, and organizing PDFs all in one place. Additionally, uploading these centralized documents directly into your 

 ensures that critical files, like vendor contracts or design mockups, are immediately accessible to the team within the context of their assigned tasks.

Popular messaging apps that support PDF file transfers include Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber. These typically include an 

 function, indicated by a plus or a paperclip icon that you can click and then upload your document.

This method is suitable if you are on a phone or a tablet

; however, it is not the best way to send something in PDF form, especially if the document is large. It can take longer to load, and these messaging apps usually have lower file size limits:

2GB to 4GB per file, depending on your plan

: If you are using the apps on a desktop device, you can also drag and drop your PDF file in the chat/conversation.

There are several PDF sending solutions that you can avail of, including Box, ShareFile, and FileCloud. To choose a suitable one, consider the level of access control that you need, the file size limits, the ease of use, and your budget.

can be worth it if you often have to send sensitive documents 

in PDF form. If you are a part of an organization, a protocol with platforms that prioritize security will help you minimize risks while also appearing more professional and reliable to clients.

Video conferencing apps that you can use to send something in PDF form include 

In their chat panels, it is possible to attach a document and send it to others on the call. Usually, there is an 

button; some interfaces will also allow you to drag and drop the PDF in.

This sharing method is useful if you want everyone to be on the same page

 when talking about a particular document. The size limits vary by platform and the plan you have. On Zoom, your PDF can be up to 1GB, and in Microsoft Teams, it is 100MB.

#6. Attaching to Project Management Platforms

send documents as PDFs is via project management platforms like Slack, Monday.com, ClickUp, and Trello.

With Slack, you can drag and drop files into the message field or click the 

 icon to select them from your storage. Ten files can be sent at once, with each file up to 10GB in size.

On Monday.com, you can add your PDF to an 

 card via the paper clip icon or upload it to the 

, which can be accessed by everyone in your team.

Similarly, files can be attached to ClickUp’s 

 file. It is also possible to share PDFs in the comments (

You should send documents as PDFs because this format:

 and can be opened on most devices without requiring specific software

for those who rely on assistive technologies

with embedded elements like hyperlinks, comments, and audio

If your document is not already in this format, it is easy to convert it to a PDF for sending; our PDF editor can help you do this in just a few clicks.

Keep the following tips in mind to send PDFs professionally:

, comments, and annotations made during the draft stages. You should double-check that all these are removed, and your final file is clean. Additionally, it is crucial to 

 and make sure that all non-essential pages are deleted.

 Larger sizes load slowly, are more difficult to download, and can cause frustration for your recipients, so make it a habit to perform 

Your colleagues and clients won’t want to see a document titled “Untitled-Final-FINAL-Version” or “Scan123;” therefore, you should have an organized system for naming your PDF. A good name makes the file easy to identify, store, and retrieve later on.

If the document was locked while it was still being worked on, but doesn’t need to be for the recipient, don’t forget to unlock it before you send it. Generally, it is not good practice to make your clients or customers reach out about access after a handover.

Your PDF should meet standards such as those outlined in 

 and WCAG to ensure that everyone and anyone can understand the content you are sharing. Among the many requirements, it must have proper 

 to specify the underlying structure, a background color that contrasts the fonts well, and be 

Opening the PDF on another device allows you to confirm that everything displays properly. If you are sharing by mail, try to send the document to yourself first; this gives you one last chance to make sure there are no viewing or downloading issues. For shareable PDF links, log out of your cloud storage service account and click the link to verify that it works and that the access permissions are correct.

Prepare Professional PDFs for Sending With Pdf.net

 includes more than 15 tools to help you refine your documents before sending or sharing them. 

They are all available on an intuitive interface

, so you won’t have to spend hours figuring out how to complete certain tasks.

, and you only need to sign up for a plan once you are 100% happy with your documents. To protect against unauthorized use, we delete all your data shortly after processing; plus, 

we use HTTPS connections to minimize breaches and attacks.

Upload your file, polish it, and share it instantly—no downloads or complicated steps required.

Send Clean, Secure, and Professional PDFs in Seconds

 on the web, so knowing how to send something in PDF form is an essential skill. You have six methods you can consider based on the file you have at hand and how quickly you need to share it.

By leveraging pdf.net as an editing assistant, you can always make sure that your documents are professional and ready for sharing. PDF preparation has never been easier; follow our tips above and streamline your workflow.

How Do You Send Something in PDF Form FAQs

You can send a fillable PDF form as an attachment

 through email, messaging apps, secure transfer solutions, video conferencing apps, and project management platforms. In addition, 

it is possible to send one via a shareable link created using a cloud storage service.

#2. How do I make sure my PDF is secure when sending?

To make sure your PDF is secure when sending, 

 and then share it with the recipient separately, ideally via a call.

 You can also restrict certain actions, such as editing, copying, printing, etc. If your information is particularly sensitive, you should make sure your PDF is encrypted.

it, messaging it, or attaching it to a video conferencing call or on a project management platform

. Some secure PDF transfer solutions will also let you 

#4. How do I convert a document to a PDF before sending?

To convert a document to a PDF before sending,

 you just need to open pdf.net, hover over 

 There are three conversion options: JPG to PDF, 

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How to Send Something in PDF Form: Easy Methods

You can embed a video in a PDF by adding a clickable link, a thumbnail along with a URL, or a QR code that opens the video when scanned.

All these methods work on pdf.net, so in this guide, we will walk you through the steps for each. In addition, we will explain why and when you should embed videos into your PDFs and provide you with troubleshooting tips for common issues that arise during the process.

You can embed a video in a PDF file by adding a clickable link, a thumbnail along with a URL, or a QR code of the video’s URL.

Including videos in PDFs makes them more engaging and easier to understand, as these are great for pitching, educational, and recurring materials.

To embed videos effectively, you should use the widely supported MP4 format, trim their lengths and reduce their resolution ahead of time, as well as add captions or instructions.

You should also test your PDF on multiple devices and readers to avoid compatibility issues and include fallback options like a plain text video link that your viewers can copy.

How to Embed a Video in a PDF File in 9 Easy Steps

 any software. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can 

 with a video by following the procedure described here:

Upload your document by dragging and dropping it into the 

 and select it from your storage to upload it manually.


 will open in a new tab with a full suite of tools.


PDF will open in a new tab with a full suite of tools.

 at the top of the page to activate the tool. Another panel with features should appear above your document.


Click Text and another panel with features will appear above your document

 and click on where you want to place the clickable link; a new textbox will pop up with a blinking cursor for you to type in directly.


Select Add text and click on where you want to place the clickable link

Paste the link to the video that you want to put in your PDF. You can also include a short call to action (CTA) before it, like “Watch this video for more details:”.


Paste the link to the video that you want to embed in your PDF

Highlight the URL and press Ctrl+K on your keyboard to add a hyperlink; this way, when you click on the URL, you will be directed to the page that hosts the video.



You can customize the text you included by 

, color, and size. You can also bold or italicize certain parts to call attention to them.


Customize the text by changing color, font, and size

Once you are happy with your placement, click 

Click Download once you are happy with the video placement

Name your document and press Download PDF

This is the simplest way to include a video in a PDF with our PDF editor. You can complete the entire process in just a few minutes; our intuitive interface is designed to help users save time!

2 Other Ways to Add a Video to Your PDF File

 to put a video in a PDF file using pdf.net; let’s take a closer look at each.

Follow these steps to insert a video into a PDF with a thumbnail and a URL:

Open our pdf.net and upload your document.


Other Ways to Add a Video to Your PDF File

Click Image in the toolbar at the top of the page

Drag and drop your thumbnail in or press 

 to upload it from your device. Make sure that the image is in 

 the thumbnail by selecting it and dragging it around. You can also 

Reposition the video thumbnail by selecting it and dragging it around

: You can go a step further to mimic the display of a video by overlaying the thumbnail with a triangle, indicating the

 in the toolbar at the top of the page, press 

, and then select the space underneath the thumbnail that you just inserted.


Click Text, press Add text, and then select the space underneath the thumbnail

Paste the video’s URL into the textbox that appears.


Paste the video’s URL into the textbox that appears

 to save your PDF and share it with others easily.


Download to save your PDF and share it with others

This way of making interactive PDFs with videos is great when you want to have a 

 and are branding your document a certain way. It 

 your personal or professional identity, so it is easy for others to recognize your work immediately. You can use this method for:

media kits, proposals, sponsorship requests, etc.

training manuals, workbooks, guides, etc.

 that open the videos when you scan them. This method is particularly suitable for 

, such as posters, brochures, manuals, and handouts.

Unlike embedded multimedia in a PDF, which some devices don’t support, QR codes work across phones, tablets, and computers, and they can 

. Therefore, you won’t have to find workarounds to 

 at the top of the page and click on it. A box will pop up for you to 

Button to open an upload box where you can drag and drop or manually upload your QR code

Place your QR code properly on your page, flipping, rotating, or resizing it as necessary.


Adjust your QR code on the page by flipping, rotating, or resizing it for proper placement

Do a test run and scan the QR code with your phone or tablet via the built-in app or an 

. Once you confirm that it leads to your video, it is time to 

 in the top right corner, enter a name, and click 

Click Download in the top right, enter a file name, and select Download PDF

Why Should You Embed a Video in a PDF Document?

You should embed a video in a PDF because it makes the document more 

without taking up as much space as writing everything out.

A study in health education found that video-based learning 

. In general settings, videos are believed to be 

Here are some situations where you can benefit from embedding a video in your PDF:

When creating presentations and reports. 

Since these are usually client-facing, you would want them to be as engaging as possible. Videos make this happen by breaking up slide after slide or page after page of text. They also take up just a slide or page to cover the same amount of information, so you won’t have drawn-out PDFs.

When making interactive training materials. 

The visuals and sounds in a video can make it easier for learners to understand complex concepts. They are particularly great for providing step-by-step instructions, such as in PDF product guides. Studies show that 

 prefer watching videos to learn about new products.

Videos grab attention, and they are the number one choice for content consumption nowadays. For example, videos in email campaigns can increase click‑through rates by 

. Additionally, people are more likely to share content that contains videos with others. If you want to expand your PDF’s reach, embedding it with videos is a smart move.

Add clickable video links, thumbnails, or QR codes—no software installation required.

Make Your PDF Interactive in Minutes

Keep these tips in mind when embedding a video in a PDF on Mac, Windows, etc.:

Some video formats might play on your device but fail on someone else’s due to compatibility issues. Embedding MP4 in a PDF file is the safest choice because it is widely supported across platforms. It also ensures smooth playback without requiring extra plugins and maintains consistent quality. Meanwhile, you should avoid AVI, MOV, or WMV, as they tend to require specific codecs.

Keep video file size reasonable to avoid large PDFs. 

Large videos can add to a PDF's size and make it slow to open and difficult to 

, as well as cause certain devices and readers to crash. You can compress it or shorten its length using a tool like the 

, an online tool for editing and adjusting videos before embedding them in your PDF. It also helps to adjust the resolution; full 1080p is often unnecessary.

Test the PDF on multiple devices before sharing. 

Each PDF reader handles embedded videos differently, and performance can vary across devices and operating systems. Therefore, you should open the PDF on multiple devices and readers and play the entire video each time to check for issues. Pay attention to the audio and any accompanying captions or interactive elements, too.

Add captions or instructions for video playback. 

This way, your viewers can access the content without confusion. Captions and instructions improve 

 for those who are hard of hearing. Plus, it allows all viewers to follow along even if they watch muted; according to recent studies, 

3 Common Issues When Embedding Videos in PDFs

Here are a few common issues when embedding videos in PDFs and how to troubleshoot them:

Videos are not playing in certain PDF readers. 

Older readers or readers on mobile apps may fail to play videos, so to avoid playback problems, it is best to use the MP4 format and test your PDF on multiple readers before sharing. You should also 

 and allow viewers to copy the videos’ URLs in case they aren’t clickable.

 Bloated PDFs can prompt your viewers to bounce, consume more storage space (especially when 

), and lead to crashes or freezes on older devices. As such, you should make it a standard to 

 and optimize your videos' lengths to keep your files manageable.

Compatibility problems with older software versions. 

Many older readers and operating systems will not support the latest video codecs, which prevents the videos on your PDFs from playing. Interactive elements, like clickable links, may also be broken. To address this, you should include a plain-text link to the videos as a fallback.

Start Making Your PDFs Interactive With Our Tool

, and you can upload your document to edit with our full suite of tools 

 and download your document. The exporting process itself takes just a few seconds; you will have professional, video-embedded PDFs that are ready to share

Knowing how to embed a video in a PDF properly allows you to take your documents to the next level. You can make them engaging, easier to understand, and more shareable by following one of the three simple embedding methods we outlined above. In return, they become far more interactive, informative, and impressive to your viewers.

#1. Can I embed a YouTube video in a PDF?

 by using pdf.net. You can insert a textbox and paste the YouTube video link in it, or 

 of the video’s thumbnail along with its URL. Additionally, it’s also possible to create a QR code that leads to the YouTube video and attach it as an image in your PDF.

#2. Will the embedded video work on mobile devices?

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