If you’re unable to upload a PDF attachment to a form, template, or table in Dashpivot, the file may be corrupted, secured, or blocked for security reasons. This guide explains what’s happening, why it occurs, how to check the file, and how to fix it.
What’s happening
When uploading a PDF attachment, you may experience one or more of the following:
The upload fails or does not complete
A specific file fails while others upload successfully
The file appears to upload but cannot be opened
An error message identifies a failed attachment
Dashpivot provides:
A real-time upload progress notification showing how many files are uploading
A clear confirmation message when all uploads are complete
Specific error messages identifying which file(s) failed
If a PDF fails to upload, it is typically due to one of the causes outlined below.
Why this happens
A PDF may fail to upload for the following reasons:
Less common causes of corruption include:
Interrupted downloads (partial files)
File transfer issues (e.g., incorrect FTP settings)
Power outages or system failures
Hard drive errors
Email encoding of attachments
Virus infection
Faulty or low-quality PDF creation software
How to fix it
Follow the steps below based on the issue identified.
The PDF is corrupted
How this can occur
The file was partially downloaded due to a connection failure
The file was transferred using incorrect FTP settings (ASCII instead of binary mode)
The file was altered during email transmission
It was created using unreliable PDF software
It was repeatedly edited, copied, or modified
It was viewed repeatedly in a browser instead of downloaded
System or hardware failure occurred while saving the file
How to check
Try opening the PDF in a dedicated PDF reader (not in your browser)
Attempt to open it on another device
Re-download the file from the original source
Check whether the file size looks unusually small
Try printing the PDF to a new PDF file
If the file does not open, opens very slowly, or shows errors, it may be corrupted.
How to fix
Re-download the file from the original source
Ask the sender to resend it (preferably as a zipped file or via a file-sharing link)
Open the file and use “Print to PDF” to generate a new copy
Re-export the document from the original software
If using FTP, ensure the transfer mode is set to binary
The PDF contains JavaScript (Blocked)
Dashpivot blocks PDFs containing JavaScript for security reasons.
How this can occur
The PDF was generated from a form tool that embeds scripts
It contains interactive or automated elements
It includes dynamic fields or embedded actions
How to check
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat
Navigate to:
Tools → JavaScript → Document JavaScriptsCheck for embedded scripts
You may also receive an upload error indicating that the file is not permitted.
How to fix
Remove JavaScript using Adobe Acrobat (if available)
“Print to PDF” to create a flattened copy without scripts
Re-export the document with JavaScript disabled
Ask the sender to provide a non-interactive version
The PDF is password protected
How this can occur
The file was secured to restrict access
It requires a password to open
How to check
Attempt to open the file
If prompted for a password, it is protected
How to fix
Open the file using the password
Remove the password protection in your PDF editor
Save a new unsecured version
Upload the new version to Dashpivot
If you do not have the password, request an unsecured copy from the sender.
The PDF is encrypted or restricted
How this can occur
The file has security settings restricting editing, copying, or attachments
It was exported with advanced security permissions
How to check
In Adobe Acrobat:
Open the file
Go to File → Properties → Security
Review the security method and restrictions
If security restrictions are applied, the file may not upload.
How to fix
Remove security settings (if permitted)
Export a new copy without encryption
Use “Print to PDF” to generate an unrestricted version
Request an unrestricted version from the sender
If the issue continues
If the file still fails to upload:
Confirm the exact error message shown in Dashpivot
Test uploading a different PDF file
Try uploading from another device or browser
Confirm the file size is within platform limits [Confirm current size limit]
If the problem persists, contact support and provide:
The exact error message
A copy of the affected PDF (if permitted)
Screenshots of the upload failure