AI Summary
As someone who’s spent a fair bit of time building WordPress forms, I know how often it comes down to one question. How do you get a PDF into someone’s inbox the moment they hit submit?
The good news is that WPForms gives you a few ways to do it, and I’ve used all of them. You can attach a file the person uploaded, automatically attach a polished PDF of their whole submission, or send them a download link for something like a lead magnet.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all three so you can pick the one that fits what you’re sending, whether that’s a contract, a receipt, or a free ebook.
Send a PDF in a Form Notification
How to Send a PDF Attachment in a Form Notification Email
There’s no single “right” way to do this, so I’ll cover the three I reach for most. Go ahead and start with the setup step, then jump to whichever method matches what you’re trying to send.
- Step 1: Install WPForms and Build Your Form
- Method 1: Attach an Uploaded File to Your Notification
- Method 2: Automatically Attach a PDF of Each Entry
- Method 3: Send a PDF Download Link (Best for Lead Magnets)
- Which Method Should You Use?
- FAQs About Sending a PDF in a Form Notification Email
- Next, Print Form Submissions With WPForms
Step 1: Install WPForms and Build Your Form
Before anything else, you’ll need WPForms installed and a form to work with. It’s what I use for every project like this, and it makes the whole process about as simple as it gets.
What I like most is that everything lives in one place. You build the form, then handle attachments and notifications from the same settings screen, with no extra plugins to wire together.
The File Upload attachment method works on any paid plan, but the PDF addon in Method 2 needs a Pro license, so I’d grab Pro if you think you’ll want automatic entry PDFs.
To get started, buy the Pro license. Then, install WPForms on your website. If you need help, here’s a step by step guide on how to install a plugin in WordPress. Once it’s active, go to WPForms » Add New from your dashboard.
Give your form a clear name, then pick a template. For most of these tasks, a basic contact form or a simple signup form works well.
The drag-and-drop builder is easy to work with, so you can add or remove fields as you go. I usually keep the form short so it’s quick for people to fill out.
Method 1: Attach an Uploaded File to Your Notification
Use this when people upload a file through your form, like a signed contract or a photo, and you want a copy emailed to you (or to them) automatically.
This is the most direct answer to “send a PDF attachment,” and from what I’ve seen it’s the one most people are actually looking for. You’ll need a File Upload field on your form so people have somewhere to add their PDF.
Once that’s in place, open your form and go to Settings » Notifications. Scroll down and click Advanced to open the extra options, then turn on Enable File Upload Attachments. If your form has more than one File Upload field, pick the one (or ones) you want to attach, and save the form.
That’s really all there is to it. Now, whenever someone submits the form, their uploaded file rides along with the notification email as a true attachment. For the full walkthrough, here’s the doc on attaching files to form notification emails.
Method 2: Automatically Attach a PDF of Each Entry
Use this when you want a clean, formatted PDF of everything someone submitted, like an application, an order, or a receipt, attached to the email automatically.
This one really got me the first time I used it. Instead of attaching a file the user picked, the PDF addon builds a styled PDF of the entire entry and attaches it for you. No copying links, no manual exports.
To set it up, go to WPForms » Addons and install the PDF addon (it’s part of the Pro license). Then open your form’s notification settings, turn on the option to attach the entry as a PDF, and choose which notifications it should go out with. From that point on, every matching submission sends with its own PDF attached.
I find this perfect for anything you’d want a paper trail of. You can also style those PDFs to match your brand, which I cover in this guide on how to generate branded PDFs with WPForms.
Method 3: Send a PDF Download Link (Best for Lead Magnets)
Use this when you’re handing out the same PDF to lots of people, like a free ebook or guide. A download link keeps your emails light and avoids the size limits that come with attachments.
This is the approach I lean on for lead magnets, and it’s the one the rest of this article originally focused on. You host the PDF once, then point people to it after they sign up.
First, prepare your PDF. If you need ideas, this roundup of effective lead magnet ideas is a good place to start. Once it’s ready, upload it from your dashboard under Media » Add New Media File, click Select Files, and choose your PDF.
When it finishes uploading, click Copy URL to clipboard at the bottom right. This copies the direct link to your file. I always paste it somewhere safe, because you’ll need it in a minute.
If you’d rather present the PDF on its own page, you can also create a post for it. Go to All Posts, then click Add New Post.
Give it a name, then use the File block to add the PDF you uploaded.
With the File block inserted, click Media Library, choose your PDF, and hit Select to add it to the post.
If you’re sharing a free ebook like in our example, you’ll see a preview of the PDF with a Download button right beneath it.
Now you’ve got a few ways to hand over that link. I’ve used all three, and they each have their place.
Show the PDF Link in a Confirmation Message
One way I like to give people access is by dropping the link into the message they see right after they submit. This is called a confirmation message.
To set it up, go to Settings » Confirmations in the form builder.
From here, you can edit the confirmation message and add your PDF link. Remember that URL you copied earlier? This is where it goes. Just paste it into the message.
This message shows up the moment someone submits, so the link is right there waiting for them.
Send Users Directly to the PDF URL
WPForms can also send people straight to a page or file after they click Submit. I find this handy when the PDF lives on its own page.
Go to Confirmation Type and choose Go to URL (Redirect), then paste your PDF link into the Confirmation Redirect URL field.
With this set, visitors land on the PDF as soon as they submit.
Send the PDF Link by Email
Most of the time, I like to email the link so people have a record of it. To do that, click Settings » Notifications.
Next, click Add New Notification in the top-right corner.
In the Send to Email Address field, pick the Email smart tag from the list. This automatically grabs the email address of whoever filled out the form.
Scroll down to the Email Message field and add your PDF link there.
To save everything, press the orange Save button in the top-right corner.
Now, any time someone fills out your newsletter signup form and subscribes, they’ll get a notification email with the lead magnet you promised them. And if your WordPress email notifications aren’t delivering the way they should, your SMTP setup is the first place I’d look.
Which Method Should You Use?
All three get a PDF to your users, so it really comes down to what you’re sending. Here’s how I decide.
| Your goal | Best method |
|---|---|
| Email a copy of a file the user uploaded | Method 1: File Upload Attachments |
| Attach a formatted PDF of the whole submission | Method 2: PDF addon |
| Deliver the same lead magnet to many subscribers | Method 3: Download link |
If you’re sending personal documents like contracts or receipts, a real attachment (Method 1 or 2) is the way to go. If you’re handing the same ebook to your whole list, a link keeps your emails fast and reliable.
FAQs About Sending a PDF in a Form Notification Email
Sending a PDF in a form confirmation or notification email is a popular topic among our readers. Here are answers to the questions I hear most.
Why offer lead magnets?
Lead magnets are one of the best ways to build your email list. They’re used as an incentive to get people to subscribe, and they’re pieces of high-quality content you deliver once someone signs up.
Good lead magnets are valuable enough that people want to join your list. Some of the most common ones are PDFs in the form of:
- eBooks
- Checklists
- Reports
- Case studies
- Templates
- Resource lists
- Guides
- Infographics
Email marketing is also worth the effort because you own your list and have full control over it, and it’s known for having the highest ROI of any digital marketing channel.
If you want to build one from scratch, check out this tutorial on how to create a simple lead magnet optin form in WordPress.
How do I attach a file someone uploaded to a notification email?
Add a File Upload field to your form, then go to Settings » Notifications, click Advanced, and turn on Enable File Upload Attachments. Select the File Upload field you want to use and save. After that, WPForms attaches the uploaded file to your notification email automatically.
Can I attach a PDF of the submission itself?
Yes, that’s what the PDF addon is for. Once it’s installed, WPForms generates a styled PDF of the full entry and attaches it to the notifications you choose. It’s ideal for receipts, applications, and anything else you’d want a formatted record of.
Why isn’t my PDF attachment being delivered?
Most of the time it’s a file-size limit. Email providers cap attachment sizes, often around 10 MB, and a file over that limit can stop the email from sending. Sending through an SMTP service usually fixes delivery issues, and you can troubleshoot further with this guide on WordPress emails not sending.
Next, Print Form Submissions With WPForms
And there you have it. You now know three ways to send a PDF in a form notification email, whether you’re attaching an uploaded file, generating one automatically, or sharing a download link. Want to save all your form entries as PDFs too? Check out this guide on how to print your WordPress form submissions to PDF.
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Hi !
Is there a possible way to receive and send notifications (all_fields) in a .pdf format or a Carbon Copy in .pdf ?
Thank you !
Hi Greg,
We don’t have a way to do this right now, but I’ve made a note on our feature request list so we can keep it on our radar! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Hi Daisy, we are also looking for this functionality – have you implemented it yet?
Hi Katie! I apologize but PDF functionalities have not yet been implemented, however it is in the works! We don’t have an ETA yet, but please do check back in again in the future!
I’ve also added your details to this particular feature request, so you should receive emails about any updates on this!
If you have any further questions about this, please contact us if you have an active subscription. If you do not, don’t hesitate to drop us some questions in our support forums.
Hello, has this functionality been implemented yet? we have been waiting.
Hi Eyad,
We apologize but PDF functionalities have not yet been implemented. We don’t have an ETA yet, but please do check back in again in the future!
We’ve also added your details to this particular feature request, so you should receive emails about any updates on this!
If you have any further questions about this, please contact us if you have an active subscription. If you do not, don’t hesitate to drop us some questions in our support forums.
Is There Any Way That I Want To Send Different Pdf On Different Select Condition?
Hi Maulik,
I’d recommend checking out our guide on sending out conditional notification emails in WPForms. 🙂
Is there a way to have the PDF download upon pressing the SUBMIT button, instead of through a link?
Hi Bob,
We don’t have a way to do this right now, but I’ve made a note on our feature request list so we can keep it on our radar! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Have you added this yet… it really is important vs. a link
Hey John – Yes, we already have it in our feature request list so that the dev team can consider it when they decide on new features for the future.
Thanks for your patience!
Just checking to see if this option became available yet?
Hi Anzela! We haven’t released a PDF addon for the WPForms plugin yet, however it is something we’re working on to provide in an upcoming release.
We’ll be sure to announce it when it does become available, so please check in often, or sign up to our newsletters 🙂
Thanks!
Is it now available? Still need this feature very much
Hey Monique – I am afraid, it is still not available, we definitely want to have a pdf addon but we don’t have an estimated date as of now. I will upvote the request on your behalf. Thanks for your patience.
Hi we have a problem just on gmail, I mean that all the people with an email on gmail, are not getting the email. Which is the problem?
Hi Nicolas,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with email deliverability! I’d highly recommend checking out our article on how to fix email delivery issues with the WP Mail SMTP Plugin.
I hope this helps!
This appears to just add a link for download – is there a way to actually attach the PDF document in the email. So the lead doesn’t click a link, but rather sees a PDF file attached with the email?
Hi Jason,
WPForms doesn’t support including attaching files to emails currently. The reason is that it can often hurt email deliverability. Different email providers have different limits on the type and size of files they can accept. Sending files that don’t pass these rules most often means the email won’t get delivered or will bounce.
I’m sorry we don’t have quite what you’re looking for but I hope this helps!
Hi Daisy… The form that we are creating will allow users to upload files to send to us. We don’t want the files stored on the server and would prefer that they be attached rather than linked back to the site. How can we do this?
Hi Shomari! It seems you’ve already reached out to the Support Team, but in case you missed their response, our plugin doesn’t support including/attaching files to emails currently. The reason is that it can often hurt email deliverability. Different email providers have different limits on the type and size of files they can accept. Sending files that don’t pass these rules most often means the email won’t get delivered or will bounce.
All file uploads would also need to go to your server initially. However in the case that you’re concerned about third parties accessing the uploaded files, the plugin does add a unique hash to the end of the file name (eg: my-logo-570543445db74.png), so that the uploaded file is not easily found when searching for the file.
If you have any further questions, the Support Team would be happy to continue assisting you 🙂
Hi,
I am trying to use a link to a pdf in a notification email. But the link in the email is unclickable (so you cannot access the pdf). Other than being unclickable, it looks like a link (it is the link color and only the text meant to be shown–not the url or any code–is visible).
Hi Scott – It sounds to me like something in the HTML probably needs to be changed, but it’s hard to say for sure without a closer look. When you get a chance, could you please contact our support team with more details?
If you have a WPForms license, please submit a support ticket, otherwise we provide limited complimentary support for Lite users. Thanks! 🙂
Hello was this ever resolved? I am having the same issue.
Hey Illary – This is not a general bug, we need to check the specific site to troubleshoot it further. I would suggest contacting the support team for this.
If you have a WPForms license, you have access to our email support, so please submit a support ticket.
Otherwise, we provide limited complimentary support in the WPForms Lite WordPress.org support forum.
Thanks 🙂
I must have done something wrong or I am confused. I went through these steps, but the pdf download link was included in the email notification that I received as the administrator and not sent to the person who filled out the contact form. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Dave!
Most probably you have included it into the wrong notification, the one that goes to the site admin.
You will have to doublecheck it.
If you have a WPForms license, you have access to our email support, so please submit a support ticket.
Otherwise, we provide limited complimentary support in the WPForms Lite WordPress.org support forum.
Have a good one 🙂
I tried to include a link to a PDF in the notification email, but the link is not clickable. If I copy the link, it looks like this: x-webdoc://630916B8-D6DE-4633-B34E-8D8570739C2A/”http://swissphotonscience.ch/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Invoice-SSPh-membership-fees-2020.pdf”.
Before the actual link, the email link contain the x-webdoc part, which is the reason that the link doesn’t work. How do I solve this?
Hi Jan — We’d be happy to help! When you get a chance, please drop us a line in support so we can assist, please submit a support ticket here.
Thanks 🙂
Hi. Did you get that issue solved?
Hey Enrique – Sorry for the trouble you are facing. Most of the time, this issue will be due to some wrong WordPress configuration or file permissions issues. Our support team will be able to help you better with this.
If you have a WPForms license, you have access to our email support, so please submit a support ticket. Otherwise, we provide limited complimentary support in the WPForms Lite WordPress.org support forum.
Thanks 🙂
It seems there is a bug in sending the link via the message section. When I open the email the desired text is not clickable and I saw this same issue in some previous tickets.
I even checked the inspect code of the page and there wasn’t any HTML tag I mean.
Could you please check and solve this problem? I really need this. Thanks in advance
I tried both versions of the HTML template and plain email. Both had the same issue.
Hey Mehran – Sorry to hear you are having trouble with file attachments. Could you please create a support ticket here so that our support team can assist further.
Thanks!
can i know does the pdf document go as a attachment to the receivers email or a link that ends up downloading the attachment on click?? also if it possible to setup the form to send the document from yourself to your friends ??
Hey Dinesh, I am sorry but it does not go as an attachment but as a link.
In regards to ” it possible to setup the form to send the document from yourself to your friends ??” question,in order to make sure we answer your question as thoroughly as possible and avoid any confusion, could you please contact our team?
If you have a WPForms license, you have access to our email support, so please submit a support ticket. Otherwise, we provide limited complimentary support in the WPForms Lite WordPress.org support forum.
Thanks.
WP-Forms is a great provider when it comes to WordPress forms. How can it be that you can’t add such a simple function like sending files with a confirmation email. The link is useless, most of my clients miss it because they assume they will receive an attachment.
Hey Siegmo, We haven’t released a PDF addon for the WPForms plugin yet, however it is something we’re working on to provide in an upcoming release.
We’ll be sure to announce it when it does become available, so please check in often, or sign up to our newsletters.
Thanks!
I’ll second the request to be able to send notifications and confirmations in PDF form. That feature would be extremely helpful.
Voted added! Thanks for sharing your interest here! 🙂
I am planning to purchase the plugin if the following points are there:
1. do you have a signature file?
2. can we send filled-up data as a pdf in the email with a signature?
Hey Pravin – Yes, we have Signature Addon available in the Pro license or higher plans!
Regarding the PDF version of the filled up form, I apologize, currently we don’t have this feature. I do agree it would be super helpful, though. I’ve made a note of the feature request and we’ll keep it on our radar as we plan out our roadmap for the future.
In the meantime, there are a couple of options you could consider, depending on your particular goals:
1) You could set up form notification emails to send an email with the content of the submitted entry. Most browsers will then let you save an email as a PDF (here’s an example for Chrome). In case it helps, here’s our tutorial on setting up notification emails.
2) You could manually create PDFs of each entry by printing. Here’s our tutorial with all the details.
3) You could attach a downloadable CSV file to the email notification that contains the information users submit through your form. This file can also include extra data points such as the entry ID, user’s IP address, and more. Here’s our tutorial with all the details.
Thanks 🙂
i have created form in wpforms i want to send all entries in table format like table tow and table head there is no option showing for that I have selected HTML template and add table tag of HTML and tried to send email notification but when I receive notification table body does not fit to start I have to scroll down to view table when I inspect element it added lots of br tag is there any solution
Hi there — We’d be happy to help! When you get a chance, please drop us a line in support so we can assist.
If you have a WPForms license, you have access to our email support, so please submit a support ticket.
Otherwise, we provide limited complimentary support in the WPForms Lite WordPress.org support forum.
Thanks 🙂
Hi,
I have a form created using WpForm and we want to send all the fields in Pdf format along with the fields in email. Is it possible using WpForms?
Hi Salman – I apologize, currently we don’t have this feature. I do agree it would be super helpful, though. I’ve made a note of the feature request and we’ll keep it on our radar as we plan out our roadmap for the future.
In the meantime, there are a couple of options you could consider, depending on your particular goals:
1) You could set up form notification emails to send an email with the content of the submitted entry. Most browsers will then let you save an email as a PDF (here’s an example for Chrome). In case it helps, here’s our tutorial on setting up notification emails.
2) You could manually create PDFs of each entry by printing. Here’s our tutorial with all the details.
3) You could attach a downloadable CSV file to the email notification that contains the information users submit through your form. This file can also include extra data points such as the entry ID, user’s IP address, and more. Here’s our tutorial with all the details.
Thanks 🙂
Hi! Do you have PDF addon already? I see users have been asking for this for more than 3 years. I’m choosing between WPForms and ContactForm7 + Ultimate addon (PDF file is included in free version). And it’s essential to have the option to send a PDF file of what was filled in in the form. Please, let me know if you have it. Thanks
Hi Michel. Thanks for your feedback! I can tell you that this feature is under active discussion. I am not able to share any more details right now, but it’s great that you commented so we can get a measure of how popular this request is. Thanks for stopping by to comment.