PDFs can carry other files inside them: spreadsheets, source data, XML invoice data or images. Open a PDF to list every embedded file with its size and description, preview it and download it, or grab everything as one ZIP.
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How to use the Extract PDF Attachments
Open your PDF by dropping it into the box or clicking to choose it.
Review the list of embedded files, with size, type, description and where each one was found.
Press Preview to look inside images and text files without saving them.
Press Download next to a file to save it, or Download all as ZIP to save everything at once.
Where PDF attachments live
Kind
Where it is stored
How readers show it
Document attachment
The EmbeddedFiles name tree in the document catalog
Attachments panel or paperclip sidebar
Associated file (PDF/A-3)
The AF array, used by archives and e-invoices to link source data
Attachments panel
File attachment comment
A FileAttachment annotation on a specific page
A paperclip, pin or tag icon on the page
PDF portfolio
A collection of embedded files with a cover page
A file browser view instead of normal pages
Each embedded file is stored as a compressed stream together with its file name, an optional description, a MIME type and creation or modification dates. This tool decompresses the stream and gives you back the original bytes, so the extracted file is identical to the one that was attached.
Common files found inside PDFs
E-invoice XML. ZUGFeRD and Factur-X invoices embed a structured XML file next to the visible invoice, typically called factur-x.xml. Convert it with XML to JSON if you need the data in another format.
Spreadsheets and source data. Reports often attach the Excel or CSV file behind their charts.
Original documents. Archived PDF/A-3 files may carry the Word or CAD source they were made from.
Bundled packages. Portfolios combine several PDFs, images or ZIP archives in one file. Open a ZIP attachment with Unzip Files.
Attachments can contain any type of file. Treat executables, scripts and macro-enabled Office files from unknown senders with care, and scan them before opening.
Frequently asked questions
What are PDF attachments?
A PDF can contain complete files inside it. Document-level attachments appear in the Attachments panel of a PDF reader, while file attachment comments are shown as a paperclip or pin icon on a page. Both kinds are listed by this tool.
How do I get the attached files out of a PDF?
Drop the PDF into the box above. Every embedded file is listed with a Download button, and Download all as ZIP saves them together. The files are extracted exactly as they were stored.
Why does my PDF show no attachments?
Most PDFs do not contain any. Images and text that are part of the pages are not attachments; use Extract Images from PDF or PDF to Text for those. Links to files on the web are not attachments either.
Can I extract the XML from an e-invoice PDF?
Yes. ZUGFeRD, Factur-X and XRechnung hybrid invoices store their machine-readable data as an embedded XML file, often named factur-x.xml or zugferd-invoice.xml. It appears in the list and can be previewed and downloaded.
Are attachments safe to open?
Attachments are ordinary files and can contain anything, including executables or macros. The tool never runs them. Only open attachments from PDFs you trust, and scan unknown files with antivirus software.
Does it work with password-protected PDFs?
PDFs that only restrict printing or editing usually work. PDFs that need a password to open must be unlocked first.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The PDF is read in your browser with JavaScript, so the document and its attachments never leave your device.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.