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Add Attachments to PDF in Make

Add Attachments to PDF is a Make module that lets you attach files to PDF documents automatically, embedding spreadsheets, images, Word docs, or any file type directly inside the PDF container. Use it to create self-contained document packages for compliance, reporting, and client delivery workflows where all supporting files must travel with the main document.

What this module does
PDF4me Add Attachments to PDF embeds any file type, spreadsheets, images, Word documents, CSVs, directly inside a PDF within your Make scenario. Supply the base PDF and one or more attachment files, and the module returns a self-contained PDF bundle with all files embedded. Recipients can open the PDF and extract the attachments without any separate file transfers.
Each attachment file requires both a File Name and File binary

For each attachment you add in the module, provide a File Name (the display name inside the PDF, including extension) and the File binary content. If you download the attachment from cloud storage, map both the filename output and the data output from that download step into the attachment item.

Use an Iterator to attach a dynamic list of files

If the number of files to attach varies per scenario run, use a Make Iterator to loop through each file and feed them individually into the module. Chain the module's output into the next iteration so attachments accumulate. This handles compliance packages or client deliverables where the attachment count is data-driven.

Output Document Data is the base64-encoded PDF with all files embedded

The module returns Document Data (the enriched PDF with all attachments embedded) and Name (the output filename). Map Document Data directly into a storage upload module (Dropbox, Google Drive, SharePoint) or an email attachment field, no intermediate decoding step is required for most Make integrations.

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Authenticating Your API Request​

To access the PDF4me Web API through Make, every request must include proper authentication credentials. Authentication ensures secure communication and validates your identity as an authorized user, enabling seamless integration between your Make scenarios and PDF4me's powerful attachment services.

Get your API Key
Make PDF4me Add Attachment to PDF module showing Connection, File name, Document / public file URL mapped from step 1, and Attachments array with two items each containing File name and File / public file URL

Configure the base PDF via File Name and Document, then add each attachment file using the Attachment array items.

What are the key features of Add Attachments to PDF?​

  • File Embedding: Attach any file type to PDF documents
  • Multiple Attachments: Add multiple files to single PDF
  • Portfolio Creation: Create comprehensive document packages
  • Supporting Evidence: Embed source data with reports
  • Self-Contained Documents: Create all-in-one document bundles

How do I configure Add Attachments to PDF in Make?​

ParameterRequiredWhat it doesExample
ConnectionRequiredPDF4me API connection. Click Add and paste your API key the first time.My PDF4me connection
File NameRequiredFilename of the base PDF including the .pdf extension. Map from the prior module file name output.report.pdf
Document / public file URLRequiredBinary content of the base PDF. Map from a prior cloud storage download, Dropbox get file, or HTTP response module.1. Data
Attachments → File nameConditionalDisplay name of the file to embed inside the PDF, including the extension. Required for each item in the Attachments array.source_data.xlsx
Attachments → File / public file URLConditionalBinary content of the file to embed. Map from a prior cloud storage download step for each attachment item.2. Data

Output​

The module returns the enriched PDF with all files embedded.

FieldTypeWhat it contains
Document DataBinaryThe base PDF with all attachment files embedded inside. Map directly into a cloud storage upload or email attachment field.
NameStringOutput filename of the enriched PDF. Use it as the filename when saving to Dropbox, Google Drive, or SharePoint.

When should I use Add Attachments to PDF in Make?​

The PDF4me Add Attachments to PDF module in Make provides comprehensive scenario templates for attachment automation:

Automated Report with Supporting Data Package Scenario

Transform your reporting with automated attachment inclusion:

Complete Scenario Steps:

  1. Trigger: Monthly report generation completed
  2. Get Report PDF: Download generated report document
  3. Get Source Excel: Retrieve raw data Excel spreadsheet
  4. Get Backup Data: Download CSV backup data file
  5. Attach Both Files: Embed Excel and CSV in report PDF
  6. Upload Package: Save complete package to Google Drive
  7. Email Stakeholders: Send self-contained report bundle
  8. Archive Package: Store complete documentation together

Business Benefits:

  • Creates 40+ comprehensive report packages monthly
  • Provides source data with every report automatically
  • Eliminates separate attachment management
  • Ensures stakeholders have all supporting materials

Common Questions​

What file types can I attach to a PDF in Make?​

Any file type is supported, including Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, images (PNG, JPG), CSVs, ZIPs, and other PDFs. The embedded files are stored inside the PDF container. Recipients can extract them from Adobe Acrobat or any PDF reader that supports the PDF portfolio standard. For the full PDF attachment specification, see the Adobe PDF reference.

How do I attach multiple files in one Make scenario run?​

Add multiple items to the Attachment array in the module: click Add item for each file you want to embed and map both File Name and File for each item. If the number of files varies per run, use a Make Iterator to loop through a file list and call the module once per file, chaining the output into the next iteration.

Does attaching files change the visible PDF pages?​

No. Embedding attaches files as separate objects inside the PDF container without altering any visible page. The page content, layout, and formatting remain exactly as they are in the source PDF. This is different from merging, which combines pages from multiple PDFs into one document.

What happens if I do not provide an attachment File Name?​

The module requires both File Name and File for every attachment item you add. If either is missing, the module returns an error. Use a Make data store or a static value if the filename is not available from the prior module output.

Industry Use Cases & Applications​

  • Case Documentation: Attach evidence files to legal briefs
  • Compliance Submissions: Embed supporting documents in reports
  • Contract Packages: Attach exhibits and schedules to contracts
  • Court Filings: Include all required attachments in filings

Get Help​

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