Sharing a PDF from Mac has a dozen right ways, depending on who's receiving it. The Mac's share menu is excellent — but the prep before sharing is where most people skip steps and end up sending 50 MB attachments that bounce.
The Mac share menu
Right-click any PDF in Finder → Share. Or use the share button in any app. Options include AirDrop (Apple devices nearby), Messages, Mail, Notes, Reminders, plus any third-party app that's registered (Slack, Drive, Dropbox).
AirDrop is fastest for nearby Apple devices. Mail attaches up to ~25 MB depending on provider; bigger files use Mail Drop automatically via iCloud.
Compress before sharing
Big PDFs are usually 80% bigger than they need to be. Compress in Flint before sharing — 30 seconds for a typical scan, drops it from 30 MB to 3 MB. Recipient saves a minute of waiting; you save the embarrassment of an attachment that didn't send.
Sign or edit before sharing
Contract to share? Sign it first. Form to send? Edit it. Pile of PDFs? Merge into one. The recipient gets a finished document, not a 'I think this is right?' thread.
Cloud links for big or sensitive files
For PDFs over 25 MB or for sensitive content, share an iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive link. Set expiry, restrict access, revoke later. Better privacy controls than email attachments, plus no size limit issues.
FAQ
What's the largest PDF I can email from Mac?
Depends on the email service. Apple Mail with iCloud uses Mail Drop for files up to 5 GB. Gmail is 25 MB. Outlook is usually 20 MB. Compress first or use a cloud link for big files.
Will AirDrop work to an iPhone?
Yes — AirDrop works between any Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad). Recipient gets a prompt to accept; file lands in their downloads or Files app.
Can I AirDrop to a Windows PC?
No — AirDrop is Apple-only. For cross-platform, use email, cloud link (Drive, Dropbox), or a service like Snapdrop in the browser. All work fine.
Polish before you send. Edit, sign, or compress in Flint, then share.