What types of files can be embedded in a PDF?

Almost any file format can be attached to a PDF: spreadsheets (XLSX, ODS, CSV), other PDFs, images (PNG, TIFF, JPEG), ZIP archives, XML data, CAD files (DWG, DXF), and arbitrary binary files. Common sources include engineering PDFs that bundle CAD source files, financial reports (SAP, Oracle) that embed XBRL or XLSX data, and e-invoice PDFs (ZUGFeRD, Factur-X) that attach structured XML. The PDF specification imposes no restriction on the type or number of embedded files.

Why would a PDF contain embedded file attachments?

PDF attachments appear in several industries. Engineering and manufacturing workflows attach CAD or simulation files to drawing PDFs so recipients have both the visual document and the source data. Legal document bundles embed exhibit files. European e-invoicing standards (ZUGFeRD EN 16931, Factur-X) require attaching structured XML alongside the readable PDF. Some PDF-portfolio documents aggregate multiple files into a single portable archive. If you received a PDF from an ERP system, document management platform, or technical supplier, it may contain attachments.

Does my PDF get uploaded anywhere?

No. The entire process runs locally in your browser using PDF.js, Mozilla's open-source PDF engine. Your PDF never leaves your device — no upload, no server, no third-party processing. This is especially important when the PDF contains confidential attachments such as source contracts, financial data, or proprietary technical files.

Does this work on password-protected PDFs?

No. Password-protected (encrypted) PDFs must be unlocked before processing. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, macOS Preview, or your browser's built-in PDF viewer, remove the password, save the unlocked copy, then upload the unlocked version here.

What if the tool says no attachments were found?

Most PDFs do not contain embedded file attachments — the vast majority of everyday PDFs (invoices, reports, presentations) have none. "No attachments" is the expected result for most files. If you expected attachments, verify in Adobe Acrobat or another viewer by opening the Attachments panel (View → Navigation Panels → Attachments). If Acrobat shows no attachments either, the file genuinely has none.

Are inline images the same as file attachments?

No. Images embedded as page content (photographs, logos, charts rendered onto a page) are not file attachments and cannot be extracted with this tool. File attachments are separate documents added to the PDF using the /EmbeddedFiles mechanism and appear in the Attachments panel in Acrobat. To extract page-content images as JPEG files, use the PDF to JPG tool instead.

Extract PDF Attachments

Extract embedded files and attachments from a PDF in your browser. List and download all attached files — no upload, 100% private.

100% client-side · no upload

Drop a file here or browse Attachment list will appear after extraction

How to use

Drop your PDF into the upload area or click Browse.
Click Extract Attachments — PDF.js reads the embedded files name tree locally.
Review the list of attachments with filenames and sizes.
Click Download next to each file to save it to your device.

When this tool is useful

E-invoices in ZUGFeRD or Factur-X format that embed structured XML data.
Engineering PDFs that bundle CAD source files (DWG, STEP, IGES) alongside the drawing.
Financial reports from ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) that attach XBRL or XLSX source data.
Legal document bundles where exhibits are attached as separate PDFs.
PDF portfolios that aggregate multiple files into one archive.

Related PDF tools

Common uses

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of files can be embedded in a PDF?: Almost any file format can be attached to a PDF: spreadsheets (XLSX, ODS, CSV), other PDFs, images (PNG, TIFF, JPEG), ZIP archives, XML data, CAD files (DWG, DXF), and arbitrary binary files. Common sources include engineering PDFs that bundle CAD source files, financial reports (SAP, Oracle) that embed XBRL or XLSX data, and e-invoice PDFs (ZUGFeRD, Factur-X) that attach structured XML. The PDF specification imposes no restriction on the type or number of embedded files.
Why would a PDF contain embedded file attachments?: PDF attachments appear in several industries. Engineering and manufacturing workflows attach CAD or simulation files to drawing PDFs so recipients have both the visual document and the source data. Legal document bundles embed exhibit files. European e-invoicing standards (ZUGFeRD EN 16931, Factur-X) require attaching structured XML alongside the readable PDF. Some PDF-portfolio documents aggregate multiple files into a single portable archive. If you received a PDF from an ERP system, document management platform, or technical supplier, it may contain attachments.
Does my PDF get uploaded anywhere?: No. The entire process runs locally in your browser using PDF.js, Mozilla's open-source PDF engine. Your PDF never leaves your device — no upload, no server, no third-party processing. This is especially important when the PDF contains confidential attachments such as source contracts, financial data, or proprietary technical files.
Does this work on password-protected PDFs?: No. Password-protected (encrypted) PDFs must be unlocked before processing. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, macOS Preview, or your browser's built-in PDF viewer, remove the password, save the unlocked copy, then upload the unlocked version here.
What if the tool says no attachments were found?: Most PDFs do not contain embedded file attachments — the vast majority of everyday PDFs (invoices, reports, presentations) have none. "No attachments" is the expected result for most files. If you expected attachments, verify in Adobe Acrobat or another viewer by opening the Attachments panel (View → Navigation Panels → Attachments). If Acrobat shows no attachments either, the file genuinely has none.
Are inline images the same as file attachments?: No. Images embedded as page content (photographs, logos, charts rendered onto a page) are not file attachments and cannot be extracted with this tool. File attachments are separate documents added to the PDF using the /EmbeddedFiles mechanism and appear in the Attachments panel in Acrobat. To extract page-content images as JPEG files, use the PDF to JPG tool instead.

Last updated: 2026-05-20 By jarvisbox

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