How to Send a PDF File to a Mobile Device

PDF files are compatible with most mobile devices and are readable through either a view only mode or a download mode that stores the file in your cloud or on the physical storage. Your device may require an app to read the PDF and it will definitely require a specialized app to create or work on a PDF. Sending the document itself to a mobile device is possible via email, text or a file sharing application. The receiving device however is responsible for opening and reading the PDF format after receiving the file.

Technically, you can send a PDF in a text message. Rather than sending as an SMS message, it becomes a multimedia message much like a photo or video. This requires loading the entire PDF into the message, however, which is not practical and some phones will block this process if the file is too large. The receiving mobile device may not accept the file or support a message of this nature either.. You can't attach the file to a text like you would with an email.

The easiest method of sending a PDF is as a Gmail or other email attachment. It does not matter what email service provider is used so long as the receiving user has email access on their phone. Most smart phone users are connected to their Gmail, Outlook or other email provider. You can attach the file to an email message from your computer or your mobile phone and send it off. The receiving party can then open the message in their phone to view or download the attachment. This option is ideal because they can also view or download the attachment on their personal computer or any other device that allows email access. Using email to send and receive PDF documents is the best choice for all practical purposes.

Like email, cloud based sharing is another excellent method for sending and receiving PDF documents on mobile devices because the document does not require a download. The cloud hosts the document and the owner manages permissions so recipients can either only view the document or they can view, edit and potentially share the document. Sending the file on a mobile device happens through a sharing link that is either texted or sent to the recipients email. If the recipient is working in the same cloud folder and has the cloud company app downloaded, mobile notifications are also possible.