Bytes are not ready

[HOVIK16B8]

Hello,

I am getting the following error, "Bytes are not ready," when adding files to an Acrobat file. I rebooted and managed to fix the error for a couple of files, but then the error showed up again.

I can open the file that I want to add and even edit it, but I can't add it to another PDF.

Any help will be much appreciated as I am against a deadline.

By the way, I am using Acrobat for Mac and version 2025.001.20458

Thanks.

[creative explorer]

@HOVIK16B8 Since a reboot temporarily resolved it, this suggests a potential resource conflict or a temporary glitch within Acrobat. Here are a few workarounds and potential solutions you could try: First, try optimizing the PDF you're trying to add to by going to File > Save As Other > Optimized PDF... and see if that helps. If not, instead of directly adding the file, try opening both the target PDF and the file you want to add. Then, in the file you want to add, select all the pages (Ctrl A (PC) or Cmd A (MAC), copy them and then paste them into the desired location in the target PDF (Ctrl V (PC) or Cmd V (MAC). Another approach is to print the file you want to add to a new PDF (File > Print > Adobe PDF as the printer) and then try adding this newly created PDF. Finally, ensure your macOS is up to date, as operating system issues can sometimes cause unexpected behavior in applications.

[HOVIK16B8]

Hello,

Thank you for the response. The no. 1 suggestion is a little tricky, as I had to combine about 30 PDFs, each with about  30 pages each. It would be a little time-consuming. No. 2 I have done that already to no avail. It gives me the same response. I will do the third suggestion.

Just so you know, I performed the same function using another application with the same files; there was no issue. In fact, as I had a deadline to meet, I had to use the third-party application to submit my project.

Thanks.

[Tariq Ahmad · Accepted solution]

Hi @HOVIK16B8, 

We are sorry you’re having this issue, especially with a deadline looming. That “Bytes are not ready” message is definitely unexpected when adding files, and I can imagine how frustrating that must be. This is a very unusual issue that I have come across. 

1. Try saving a local copy of the file you’re adding (if it’s currently saved on a network drive, cloud folder, or external device).

• Open the file > File > Save As > Desktop > then try adding it again.

2. Use Combine Files instead of dragging:

• Go to Tools > Combine Files into a Single PDF, and add your files through this tool rather than drag-and-drop or insert.

3. Check for background sync/conflicts: If you’re using iCloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive, try pausing sync temporarily to see if that helps.

And just to add to what the Expert has suggested, Optimized PDF, you can run the action for multiple files in one go, check this post: https://adobe.ly/3GiYQO5;

If you are still experiencing this issue, check with a couple of files that are giving you trouble. Please share those files with us, and we will review them. 

Also, you may use Preflight to test for issues and fixup file using the tool: https://adobe.ly/4cR0Nxq;

~Tariq

[HOVIK16B8]

Hello Tariq,

Thank you for the suggestions. Very helpful.

I have to attempt your suggestions sometime this week.

Once again, thank you.

Hovik

[AnandSri]

Hello @HOVIK16B8!

I hope you are doing well. We are reaching out to check if you are still experiencing the issue. Assuming you are on the latest version of Acrobat: 25.001.20474 (Win) | 25.001.20476 (Mac), Apr 28, 2025. Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.