Does extracting an attachment open or execute it?

No. The manager decodes the embedded byte stream and prepares an explicit download without previewing or executing the file.

Can attachments contain malware?

Yes. Any embedded file can contain unsafe content. This tool does not scan or certify attachments, so use security software before opening unfamiliar files.

What is an attachment key?

It is the unique name used in the PDF EmbeddedFiles name tree. It can differ from the filename shown when a reader saves the attachment.

Can I add multiple files?

Yes. Each file receives a unique key and editable displayed filename and description. New files are limited to 25 MB each and 75 MB per update for browser memory safety.

Are existing attachment metadata preserved?

Retained attachments remain in the PDF with their existing QPDF-reported metadata. Newly added files use the filename, key, MIME type and description shown in the queue.

Will PDF pages change?

QPDF updates the embedded-file structures without rasterizing pages. The page count and first-page preview are verified after rebuilding.

Are digital signatures preserved?

No. Adding or removing embedded files changes PDF bytes and invalidates existing digital signatures.

Can it manage a protected PDF?

Yes, with the correct password and authorization. The rebuilt output is not re-encrypted.

No. The PDF, passwords, attachments, QPDF processing and downloads stay in the current browser tab.

PDF Tools

PDF Attachments Manager

Extract, add and remove embedded PDF files with verified local QPDF processing.

Free browser toolRuns in your browserNo sign-up

Private embedded-file workspace

Extract, add and remove PDF attachments

Manage embedded files and their PDF keys, displayed filenames, descriptions and MIME types locally without executing attachment content.

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source attachments

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planned output

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rebuilt PDF

Drop a PDF here or browseProtected PDFs prompt for the known password locally. One PDF at a time.

Private workspace. Files stay in this browser tab and are never uploaded to ToolsOnDuty.

Nothing downloads automatically. Existing attachment downloads are always explicit.

About the PDF Attachments Manager

PDF Attachments Manager uses QPDF to inventory embedded files by their internal key, displayed filename, description, MIME type, dates, stream object and uncompressed size. Attachment content is not executed or previewed.

Existing attachments can be extracted individually or marked for removal. Add multiple new files, then control each PDF attachment key, displayed filename and optional description before rebuilding the document.

The output is offered only after QPDF structural validation, PDF.js page-count verification and an exact comparison between requested and rebuilt attachment keys. Source page appearance and document content are not rasterized.

Embedded files can contain malware or unsafe content. This manager copies bytes but is not an antivirus scanner, sandbox or disinfection service. Scan unfamiliar extracted files before opening them.

Key features

QPDF embedded-file inventory
Attachment key, filename, description and MIME metadata
Uncompressed attachment size and date indicators
Explicit individual attachment extraction
Selective attachment removal and restore
Multiple new attachment queue
Editable unique keys, displayed filenames and descriptions
25 MB per-file and 75 MB per-update browser memory limits
Authorized protected-PDF input support
Exact rebuilt attachment-key verification
Fresh QPDF structure and PDF.js page-count checks
Private local processing and explicit downloads

How to use

1Choose the PDF whose embedded files you want to manage.
2If it is protected, provide the known password and confirm authorization in the local unlock dialog.
3Review existing attachment names, keys, MIME types, sizes and descriptions.
4Extract any attachment you need, or mark selected entries for removal.
5Add new files and review their unique PDF keys, displayed filenames and optional descriptions.
6Apply the changes, verify the final attachment count and page count, then download the rebuilt PDF.
7Scan unfamiliar extracted files with appropriate security software before opening them.

Examples

Update a project handoff package

Input: PDF containing an old spreadsheet and text notes

Output: Verified PDF with the old spreadsheet removed and current CSV plus README attached

Use descriptive filenames and scan externally supplied files before opening.

Extract files from a PDF portfolio

Input: Report PDF with several embedded source documents

Output: Individual explicit attachment downloads without executing them

Portfolio-specific presentation may vary by viewer, but embedded file bytes are inventoried by QPDF.

Frequently asked questions

Does extracting an attachment open or execute it?: No. The manager decodes the embedded byte stream and prepares an explicit download without previewing or executing the file.
Can attachments contain malware?: Yes. Any embedded file can contain unsafe content. This tool does not scan or certify attachments, so use security software before opening unfamiliar files.
What is an attachment key?: It is the unique name used in the PDF EmbeddedFiles name tree. It can differ from the filename shown when a reader saves the attachment.
Can I add multiple files?: Yes. Each file receives a unique key and editable displayed filename and description. New files are limited to 25 MB each and 75 MB per update for browser memory safety.
Are existing attachment metadata preserved?: Retained attachments remain in the PDF with their existing QPDF-reported metadata. Newly added files use the filename, key, MIME type and description shown in the queue.
Will PDF pages change?: QPDF updates the embedded-file structures without rasterizing pages. The page count and first-page preview are verified after rebuilding.
Are digital signatures preserved?: No. Adding or removing embedded files changes PDF bytes and invalidates existing digital signatures.
Can it manage a protected PDF?: Yes, with the correct password and authorization. The rebuilt output is not re-encrypted.
Are files uploaded?: No. The PDF, passwords, attachments, QPDF processing and downloads stay in the current browser tab.

Open a related tool to prepare your files or refine the finished result.