Learn how to attach PDFs to your Google Calendar invite so everyone has the document before your Google Meet starts.
You can’t attach files directly in Google Meet, but Google Calendar allows you to attach PDFs to any meeting invite.
Once added, everyone invited to your Google Meet can access the document before the call begins, no last-minute file digging, link sharing, or screen-sharing confusion.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to attach PDF to Google Calendar invite, how Google Meet and Calendar work together behind the scenes, how to attach files on desktop and mobile, and how to use Smallpdf to optimize your documents before sharing.
How Google Meet and Google Calendar Work Together
Google Meet doesn’t handle file attachments. Instead, all attachments live inside the Google Calendar event, which automatically includes the Google Meet link.
Here’s what this means in practice:
- When you create a Meet link, it’s stored inside a Calendar event.
- Any file attached to that event becomes available to all meeting attendees.
- Attendees can open the PDF before the call or during the meeting.
- The attachment stays accessible as long as the Calendar event exists.
If you want your meeting participants to have a PDF, you must attach it through Google Calendar, not Google Meet.
How to Attach a PDF to Your Google Meet Invite Through Google Calendar
The key to attaching a PDF to your Google Meet invite is using Google Calendar, which handles both the meeting link and file attachments in one place.
Here’s the complete process from start to finish.
Step 1: Prepare Your PDF With Smallpdf
Before attaching your document to a Google Calendar invite, it helps to optimize the PDF so it loads quickly, stays readable on any device, and is secure if it contains sensitive information.
You can prepare everything in advance using Smallpdf tools.
1. Compress Your PDF for Faster Loading
Large PDFs can take a long time to open, especially for attendees using mobile devices or slow connections.
Here’s how to compress your file:
- Open Compress PDF on Smallpdf.
- Upload your PDF from your device, Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
- Choose “Basic Compression” or “Strong Compression.”
- Download the reduced-size PDF.

Reduce the file size for easier sharing
A compressed file is easier to share, faster to open, and ideal for meetings with many participants.
2. Protect Your PDF If It Contains Confidential Information
If your attachment includes internal data, financial documents, or sensitive personal information, protect it before sharing.
To add password protection:
- Go to Protect PDF.
- Upload your PDF.
- Enter a secure password.
- Apply protection and download the locked file.
Share the password separately with attendees or include access instructions in the invite description.
3. Annotate or Add Notes Before Your Meeting
If you’re planning to present the PDF or guide attendees through specific sections, annotate it beforehand.
Here’s how:
- Open PDF Annotator.
- Upload your file.
- Use highlighting, text boxes, shapes, or comments.
- Save your edited PDF and re-download it.

Highlight or Annotate Important Info
This helps you prepare meeting materials ahead of time so participants can follow along easily.
4. Prepare Signable Documents for Your Meeting
If attendees need to approve, review, or sign a document during the meeting, create a signable PDF in advance.
To prepare a signable file:
- Open Sign PDF.
- Upload your document.
- Add signature fields or fillable areas.
- Save the prepared file and attach it to the invitation.
This way, meeting participants can review the file before the call and sign immediately during the meeting.
5. Convert Other File Types to PDF Before Attaching
If your material is in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint format, convert it to PDF first to preserve formatting.
To convert:
- Open PDF Converter.
- Upload your DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX file.
- Download the converted PDF.
- Attach it to your Calendar invite.
This ensures all attendees see the document exactly as intended.
Step 2: Add the PDF to Your Google Calendar Event
- Open Google Calendar.
- Create a new event or edit an existing one.
- Click “Add Google Meet video conferencing.”
- Click the “paperclip icon” or “Add attachment.”
- Upload a PDF from your computer, or choose a file from “Google Drive.”
- Adjust sharing permissions (more below).
- Click “Save.”

Add the PDF to your Google Calendar Event
Attendees will see the PDF listed directly inside the event details.
Set File-Sharing Permissions for Your PDF
When you upload a PDF to Google Calendar, you‘ll need to choose the right sharing permissions so your meeting attendees can actually access the file:
- Anyone with the link can view: Most flexible option—anyone who receives the calendar invite can open your PDF without requesting access.
- Guests of this event can view: Only people invited to the meeting can access the file. More secure but requires a Google account sign-in.
- Restricted: Only you can view the file, which is not useful for meeting sharing unless you plan to change permissions later.
Small advice: Test the attachment by opening the event from another Google account or asking a colleague to check access before the meeting.
Quick Pre-Meeting Checklist
Before your Google Meet begins, run through this quick checklist to ensure smooth PDF sharing:
- Confirm attendees can open the attached PDF.
- Use clear file names (e.g., “Budget_Review_March2025.pdf”).
- Include a note in the event description referencing the PDF.
- Keep a backup link ready in Google Drive.
- Prepare a shareable version in case someone joins from mobile.
- Compress the PDF to avoid slow downloads.
How to Attach a PDF to a Google Calendar Invite on Mobile
If you’re preparing your meeting from a phone or tablet, here’s how to add your PDF using iOS or Android.
Attach PDF to Google Calendar on Android
- Open the Google Calendar app.
- Tap the event or create a new one.
- Tap “Add video conferencing” > Google Meet.
- Scroll down and tap “Add attachment.”
- Choose a file from “Google Drive” (Android does not allow direct file uploads).
- Tap “Save.”
Attach PDF to Google Calendar on iPhone or iPad
- Open Google Calendar.
- Select your event.
- Tap “Edit.”
- Tap “Add attachment.”
- Choose your PDF from “Google Drive.”
- Tap “Save.”
Small note: On mobile, you can only attach PDF files stored in “Google Drive”, not directly from your device storage.
Other Ways to Share a PDF During Google Meet
If you didn‘t attach your PDF beforehand or need to share additional documents during the meeting, here are two quick methods:
1. Share a Drive Link in Google Meet Chat
- Upload your PDF to Google Drive.
- Copy the shareable link.
- Set permissions to “Anyone with the link can view.”
- Paste the link into the Meet chat.
Participants can click and download immediately.
2. Present Your PDF on Screen
If you need to walk attendees through the PDF:
- Open your PDF on your device.
- Click “Present now” in Google Meet.
- Select “A window.”
- Choose the PDF window.
- Click “Share.”
This is ideal for reviewing contracts, budgets, presentations, and annotated documents.
Start Sharing Better PDFs for Your Google Meet Invites
Make your Google Meet workflow smoother by preparing clean, lightweight, and secure PDFs before you attach them to your Google Calendar invite.
With Smallpdf, it’s easy to compress, edit, sign, organize, and prepare documents so attendees can access everything before the meeting begins.
Start your free trial to unlock all Smallpdf tools and streamline every meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I attach a PDF to a Google Calendar invite?
Open Google Calendar > Edit your event > Click “Add attachment” > Upload your PDF from your computer or Google Drive > Save.
Can I attach a PDF directly in Google Meet?
Google Meet doesn‘t support direct file attachments in the invite. However, you can upload the PDF to Google Drive and share the link in the meeting chat or present your screen to display the PDF.
Can I present a PDF in Google Meet?
Yes! Open the PDF, click “Present now” in Google Meet, and select the PDF window to share it with attendees.
How do I attach a PDF to a Teams invite?
Microsoft Teams doesn‘t allow direct attachments in meeting invites. Instead, you can upload the PDF to OneDrive or SharePoint and share the link in the invite description. For more, check out this article.
How do I remove or replace an attachment in Google Calendar?
Edit your calendar event, find the attached file, and click the “X” next to it to remove it. You can then add a new attachment using the paperclip icon.
Why can‘t my guests open the attached PDF?
This usually happens when the file sharing permissions are set to “Restricted.” Edit your calendar event, click on the attachment, and change the sharing settings to “Anyone with the link can view.”
Where is the “Add attachment” button in Google Calendar?
Look for the paperclip icon in your event details, usually located near the description field. If you don‘t see it, make sure you‘re editing the event (not just viewing it) and try refreshing the page.



