To email a PDF from an iPhone, attach it in Mail or share it from Files, and use Mail Drop when the file is large.
Got a document on your phone that needs to reach someone’s inbox now? This guide lays out the fastest paths, shows where to tap, and explains size rules so your message lands on the first try. You’ll see both the Mail route and the Files route, learn quick markup for signatures, and get a plain-English take on Mail Drop for big attachments.
Email A PDF From Your IPhone: Core Steps
Pick the route that matches where your file lives. Each path takes under a minute once you know the taps.
| Method | Where You Start | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mail App Attachment | Mail ▶ new message ▶ tap body ▶ attachment/file button | Pull a document from Files, recent items, or Photos while writing |
| Files App Share Sheet | Files ▶ long-press PDF ▶ Share ▶ Mail | Fast when the PDF sits in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone |
| Photos Or Books Share | Open the PDF ▶ Share ▶ Mail | When a PDF is saved in Photos or Apple Books |
| Scan To PDF, Then Send | Mail or Notes ▶ Scan Document | Paper on your desk needs to become a tidy multi-page PDF |
| Mail Drop Link | Mail ▶ attach file ▶ choose Mail Drop if prompted | Large PDFs that would blow past normal provider limits |
Route 1: Attach The PDF Inside Mail
Start A Message And Add The File
Open Mail, tap the compose icon, add the recipient and subject, then tap in the message body. Above the keyboard, tap the attachment or file icon, browse to Files, and pick the document. It appears under the subject line as an attachment tile. Apple’s official steps for adding attachments match this flow; see add email attachments.
Scan Paper To A Fresh PDF
Need to turn a contract or receipt into a clean PDF first? From the message body, tap the arrow or plus above the keyboard and choose Scan Document. Line up the page, let the camera auto-capture, repeat for more pages, then insert. The scan drops in as a neat, share-ready PDF.
Why This Route Works
Working inside Mail lets you add several files, mix in photos, and keep the thread together. When the total size is high, Mail offers Mail Drop so the message doesn’t bounce.
Route 2: Share The PDF From Files
Use The Share Sheet
Open Files, find the document in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone, touch and hold, then tap Share ▶ Mail. A new message opens with the PDF attached. Add the recipient, subject, and a short note, then send. Apple documents this flow here: send a file from Files.
Trim The Size Before You Share
If the file feels heavy, make a quick ZIP. In Files, touch and hold the PDF, tap Compress, then share the .zip instead. This helps with image-rich documents.
Good To Know
The same share sheet lists Gmail and Outlook if you use them. You’ll still attach from Files, and the size rules below still apply.
Route 3: Mark Up Or Sign The PDF First
Open the PDF in Files, Photos, or Books, tap the markup icon, and add text, shapes, or a saved signature. Save, then share by Mail. Apple’s Markup tool supports signatures and notes across apps, including PDFs.
Attachment Size Rules And Mail Drop
Most mail providers accept only small attachments. When your message gets too big, iPhone Mail offers Mail Drop. The file uploads to iCloud, and the recipient gets a secure download link that works for 30 days. Apple lists the ceiling and behavior on its Mail Drop limits page.
Here’s a plain guide to what you’ll run into, plus the easy fix when you hit a wall.
When You’ll See The Mail Drop Prompt
- You add a PDF and the total message size is over your provider’s cap.
- You attach a single large PDF that would fail as a normal attachment.
- You try to send a batch of files that together push the message over the line.
How The Link Works For The Recipient
The email looks normal, with a link in place of the heavy file. The recipient taps the link and downloads the PDF. No Apple sign-in is needed. After 30 days, the link expires and the file is removed.
Step-By-Step: Fastest Way From Files
- Open Files and locate the PDF.
- Touch and hold the file, then tap Share.
- Pick Mail. A draft opens with the attachment in place.
- Enter the recipient and subject, add your note, then send.
- If prompted about size, choose Use Mail Drop.
Step-By-Step: Attach From Inside Mail
- Open Mail and start a new message.
- Tap the message body to reveal the toolbar above the keyboard.
- Tap the attachment or file icon. Browse to Files.
- Select the document. It appears as an attachment tile.
- Send. If size is high, accept the Mail Drop prompt.
Sign, Annotate, Then Send
Add A Signature
Open the document, tap the markup tools, then tap the signature button. Create a signature once, then place and resize it. Save and share by Mail. Apple’s Markup help page explains signatures and text tools in one place.
Add Notes Or Shapes
Use the pen, highlighter, shapes, and text box tools to point out sections. These edits save into the PDF so the recipient sees them in any viewer.
Where Your PDF Might Be Hiding
Files (iCloud Drive Or On My IPhone)
This is the default home for downloads and saved documents. Use the search bar in Files with “.pdf” to round up candidates fast. Long-press to preview before you send.
Photos Or Books
If you saved a PDF from Safari, Mail, or Messages, you may have stored it in Books for reading or in Photos as a single item. Open it, tap share, and pick Mail.
Email Threads
Someone sent you a PDF already? Open the message, tap the attachment, then use the share icon to pass it along with a fresh note.
Keep File Size In Check
- Scan in grayscale when color isn’t needed. It cuts file size sharply.
- Downscale pictures before converting a photo stack to PDF.
- Delete blank pages from scans before you attach.
- ZIP the file in Files if you’re flirting with common caps.
Troubleshooting When The PDF Won’t Go
The Message Bounced
Resend using Mail Drop. That replaces the attachment with a link and bypasses strict limits on the recipient’s side.
The Upload Is Stuck
Large Mail Drop uploads may pause on cellular. Connect to Wi-Fi, keep the screen on, and leave Mail in the foreground until the progress finishes.
The File Is Password-Locked
Some mail apps can’t preview locked PDFs. Send the password in a separate thread or share by another channel.
The PDF Opens Sideways
Rotate pages with the markup tools before you attach the file. A quick re-save fixes odd previews.
Attachment Size Rules At A Glance
| Item | Limit Or Behavior | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Attachment | Many providers allow around 20–25 MB per message | Keep it lean; zip or compress images inside the PDF |
| Mail Drop Upload | Up to 5 GB; link expires after 30 days | Send big PDFs; prefer Wi-Fi for faster upload |
| iCloud Storage Use | Mail Drop transfers don’t count toward your iCloud storage | No cleanup needed; the file is removed on expiry |
Smart Sending Habits
Write A Clear Subject
Use a short subject that says what’s inside: “Signed NDA – ACME” or “Invoice 1042 – April.” It makes the message easy to find later.
Double-Check The Attachment Tile
Before you tap send, glance under the subject line to confirm the right file, the right version, and a readable name like “ACME-NDA-signed.pdf.”
Protect Sensitive Docs
When a PDF contains personal info, prefer a Mail Drop link over a raw attachment so the file isn’t stored in every hop along the way. Send any passwords in a separate thread.
What These Steps Are Based On
This walkthrough aligns with Apple’s own pages on attachments, Files sharing, and Mail Drop behavior. You can read Apple’s attachment steps and the official Mail Drop limits for the fine print.