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Extract Embedded Files from PDF | 4 Proven Ways

  • By Lena
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  • Updated on June 25, 2025
Introduction:
Working with embedded files in a PDF can be a challenging task, especially if you're unfamiliar with the application used for this purpose. From the text, images, or documents, or another file format could have been embedded into the PDF file, finding the correct way to extract embedded files from PDF is crucial. In this post, we will introduce four PDF data extractors to help you extract specific files from a PDF quickly.
summary

Part 1. Extract Embedded Files from PDF with SwifDoo PDF

SwifDoo PDF is a versatile PDF tool that can be used for multiple tasks, including extracting files embedded within PDF documents. It provides the Save Attachment function, which allows you to find specific attachments within PDF documents without requiring any extra effort.

This tool isn't only restricted to extracting files; it also enables you to annotate PDFs with precision, allowing you to comment, markup, and highlight documents with great accuracy. You also have the leverage to compress, merge, and convert PDF documents into a well-rounded solution for PDF management.

How do you extract attachments from a PDF through SwifDoo PDF? You can follow the easy guide given below, which makes it simple for you to extract embedded files from PDFs through SwifDoo PDF.

Step 1: Install SwifDoo PDF on your computer.

Step 2: After starting the software, press the paperclip button or launch the attachment pane.

Attachment Pane

Step 3: Right-click the embedded file and then select the Save Attachment icon to access the embedded files from the PDF.

Save Attachment

SwifDoo PDF is no more than a PDF annotator. It can also help you edit text and images, split and merge pages, and add password protection. If you're looking for a lightweight and comprehensive PDF tool, don't miss out.

Part 2. Extract Embedded Files from PDF Using Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is one of the most popular PDF tools used for creating PDF files. You can also edit a PDF in Adobe Acrobat without affecting the overall quality of the PDF document. When it comes to extracting embedded files from PDF documents, Adobe Acrobat also doesn't disappoint.

It provides the Attachment Tool, which helps you reorganize or view all the files incorporated into the specific PDF before saving each file as an individual document. To extract attachments from PDF documents using Adobe Acrobat, refer to the detailed guide provided below.

Step 1: Launch Adobe Acrobat and then open the PDF files in it. Press the Tools icon in the upper pane and then choose the Show/Hide icon.

Step 2: Press the Navigation Pane and then select Attachments. You can now see all the files contained in the PDF document.

Step 3: Choose the file to be extracted in the right pane before pressing the mouse button. Press the "Save Attachment" after entering the pop-up window that appears when extracting embedded files from the PDF.

Adobe Save Attachment

Part 3. Extract Embedded Files from PDF via SysTools PDF Extractor

If you want to add an attachment to a PDF and are looking for a PDF attachment extractor, don't look behind the SysTool PDF Extractor. It is a powerful tool that helps you extract various PDF files, including images, pages, files, and text, in multiple formats. Since it is available for Mac and Windows, it enables you to complete the extraction tasks effortlessly.

However, using the SysTools PDF Extractor isn't completely free, as the free trial version only allows you to process five files. If you want to edit more files, acquiring a subscription is paramount.

How to extract attachments from PDF with SysTools PDF Extractor?

Step 1: To begin, you'll need to download the SysTools PDF Extractor and then install it on your computer.

Step 2: Press the "Add File/Add Folder" button before selecting the multiple PDF files for batch processing simultaneously.

Add File
Step 3: Press the Change icon, then select the destination location, and finally choose the Next icon.


Step 4: In the Window that appears, you'll need to choose the Attachment icon and then check the "Extract Attachments" box. Now, you can also customize the type and size of the attachments along with the location of the extraction.

Extract Attachments

Step 5: Click the Extract icon in the lower-right corner to begin extracting the PDF file. Apart from extracting attachments from PDF files, this tool also helps you compress the size of the attached files.

Part 4. Extract Embedded Files from PDF by PDFConvertOnline

One of the most innovative programs for extracting embedded files from PDF documents is PDFConvertOnline. It is particularly valuable for users who are unwilling to download the software to perform PDF document extraction. Additionally, you may process many PDF files at once using this online tool, which means you can remove attachments from numerous PDF documents concurrently.

While extracting attachments from PDF files, PDFConvertOnline maintains the overall quality of the PDF files and ensures privacy and safety.

Step 1: Navigate to PDFConvertOnline Extract Attachment from the PDF webpage and then press the Choose File to import the target PDF file before selecting the Extract Now button.

Extract Now
Step 2: After completing the online processing, click on the zip file link to download it, and then unzip it on your device. Doing so helps you to get all the embedded files from PDF documents.

Download Zip

This batch extraction method could be excellent for extracting a few embedded files. However, if you want to extract large PDF documents, using tools like SwifDoo PDF is most recommended.

Conclusion

Regardless of the purpose for which you want to extract embedded files from a PDF, this post has helped you explore the four excellent ways to embed files from PDF documents. From enabling you to use Adobe Acrobat and SysTools PDF Extractor to assisting you in using PDFConvertOnline, this post has been a game-changer when it comes to extracting files from PDF documents.

SwifDoo PDF is the most recommended option, which not only extracts specific files from PDF documents but also enables you to perform various types of brilliant PDF editing techniques.

Lena has been in the editing industry for 8 years. She is familiar with a variety of products that can make things easier, such as PDF tools, video recording software, iOS location changer, etc. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with users to help them solve problems in their work and life. In her spare time, she likes to play with her cat.

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