Extract attachments embedded in a PDF
A PDF can carry other files inside it: spreadsheets behind a financial report, the XML invoice data of a ZUGFeRD or Factur-X e-invoice, source drawings, signed originals, or notes pinned to a page as file-attachment comments. Many viewers hide them in a side panel that is easy to miss. The PDF Attachment Extractor lists every attached file and lets you save it.
For each attachment you see the file name, description, size, file type and — when the PDF records them — creation and modification dates, plus whether it was attached to the whole document or to a specific page. Save files individually or all at once as a ZIP.
The PDF is opened in your browser and nothing is uploaded. Programs, scripts and macro-enabled documents are clearly flagged, because an attachment can be as dangerous as an email attachment.
How to use the PDF Attachment Extractor
- Drop a PDF onto the upload area or click it to choose one.
- Read the summary: how many files are attached, their total size, and how many are document-level or page annotations.
- Check each entry’s name, description, type, dates and source. Items marked “Caution” can run code.
- Press “Save” next to a file to download it with its original name.
- Use “Download all (ZIP)” to save every attachment in one archive.
PDF Attachment Extractor features
Both kinds of attachment
Finds files in the document’s embedded-files list and files attached to pages through attachment annotations (the paperclip or push-pin icons).
Original bytes
Attachments are decompressed and saved exactly as they were embedded, with their original file names.
Useful details
Shows description, MIME type, size, creation and modification dates, and the PDF/A-3 relationship (such as “Data” or “Source”) when present.
Type detection
When the PDF doesn’t declare a type, the file’s signature (PDF, PNG, JPEG, ZIP, Office, XML, executable…) is used.
Security warnings
Executables, scripts, shortcuts and macro-enabled Office files are highlighted with a caution badge.
ZIP download
All attachments are packed into one ZIP in your browser, with duplicate names made unique.
Where PDF attachments come from
- E-invoices: ZUGFeRD and Factur-X invoices (common in Germany and France) embed a machine-readable XML file next to the visible invoice.
- PDF/A-3 archives: the standard allows any source file — a spreadsheet, CAD drawing or email — to travel inside the PDF.
- PDF portfolios and packages: several documents bundled into one PDF container.
- Review comments: file-attachment annotations pin a file to a spot on a page, often used for supporting evidence.
- Exported reports: some accounting and engineering tools attach the underlying data automatically.
Staying safe with attachments
Saving an attachment is harmless — the risk comes from opening it. Treat attachments like email attachments: be wary of programs (.exe, .msi, .apk), scripts (.js, .vbs, .ps1, .bat), shortcuts (.lnk), web files that can contain scripts (.html, .svg) and Office files with macros (.docm, .xlsm, .pptm). Scan them with antivirus software and only open them when you trust the sender.
You can confirm a saved file is unchanged by comparing its checksum with one supplied by the sender using the File Hash Checker. Attachments also add to a PDF’s size — the PDF Size Analyzer shows how much.
PDF Attachment Extractor FAQ
How do I extract attachments from a PDF?
Drop the PDF into the PDF Attachment Extractor. Every attached file is listed with its name and size; press “Save” for one file or “Download all (ZIP)” for everything.
How do I know if a PDF has attachments?
Open it here — the summary shows the number of attachments, including files attached to individual pages. Many viewers also show a paperclip icon or an Attachments panel.
Can I get the XML out of a ZUGFeRD or Factur-X invoice?
Yes. The XML (often called factur-x.xml or zugferd-invoice.xml) is an embedded file, so it appears in the list and can be saved directly.
Is it safe to open PDF attachments?
Only if you trust the source. Attachments can be any file type, including programs and macro-enabled documents. The extractor marks risky types so you can scan them before opening.
How do I remove attachments from a PDF?
This tool only reads attachments. To drop document-level attachments, rebuild the file from its pages with Organize PDF, keeping every page: only the pages are copied, so the embedded-files list is left behind (as are bookmarks). Files pinned to a page as annotations travel with their page.
Why does a file show no dates?
Creation and modification dates are optional in PDF, and many tools don’t record them. The file content is unaffected.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF and its attachments are processed only in your browser.