Create a PDF from a Word document with a PDF attached.

[BWE_]

Whenever I try to create a PDF from a Word document with attached PDF files, the Word document is converted to PDF but loses the attachments. It only retains the image of the attached PDF within the body, but the file itself is lost. Is there any way to keep these attachments so that they can be opened when clicking the link? I know it is possible to attach them afterward, but it takes a lot of time and is a huge rework.

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi BWE_,

Thank you for reaching out.

If you are using the Acrobat Ribbon in the Word application, please click on Acrobat and Preferences in the tab below. Mark all the boxes under application settings and click the OK button to save the changes. Then try to convert the file. For more information, refer to the following help document: https://adobe.ly/3RQkdIX. 

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[BWE_]

Thanks for the answer, but it still isn't working. The same issue is happening: the Word document is converted to PDF but loses the attachments. It only retains the image of the attached PDF within the body, but the file itself is lost. Is there another way to do it?

[AnandSri]

Hello @BWE_ 

I hope you are doing well, and we are sorry for the delayed response and the trouble.

When you embed a PDF (or any file) into a Word document using Insert > Object > Create from File, it appears as an icon or image. However, most Word-to-PDF conversion methods—including "Save as PDF," "Export to PDF," or even "Adobe PDF Printer"—do not preserve these embedded objects as interactive attachments. Instead, they flatten them into static images.

Workarounds: 

Manually Attach Files in Acrobat After Conversion

This is the most reliable method:

• Convert your Word document to PDF using any method.
• Open the resulting PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
• Go to All Tools > Edit PDF > More > Attach File.
• Select the original PDF you want to embed.
• Save the PDF.

Use Hyperlinks Instead of Embeds

If the attached PDFs are hosted online or on a shared drive, consider inserting hyperlinks in the Word document instead of embedding the files. These links will remain clickable in the converted PDF.

Use PDF Portfolio (Advanced)

If you need to bundle multiple PDFs (including your Word-converted PDF and its attachments), consider creating a PDF Portfolio in Acrobat:

• Open Acrobat > File > Create > PDF Portfolio.
• Add your main PDF and the attachments.
• Save the portfolio.

Use the Adobe Wish form to raise a feature request with the product team to add a new feature or make changes to an existing one. 

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.