How To Fix /PLMB/BA_SPC023 - Unable to preview file; only PDF is supported

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PLMB/BA_SPC -

• Message number: 023

• Message text: Unable to preview file; only PDF is supported

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PLMB/BA_SPC023 - Unable to preview file; only PDF is supported ?

  The SAP error message /PLMB/BA_SPC023 Unable to preview file; only PDF is supported typically occurs when you are trying to preview a file in SAP that is not in the PDF format. This error is related to the SAP PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) module, specifically when dealing with document management and file previews.
  Cause:
  
  File Format: The primary cause of this error is that the file you are trying to preview is not in PDF format. SAP PLM supports only PDF files for previewing.
  File Type Restrictions: The system is configured to restrict previews to certain file types, and in this case, it is limited to PDF files only.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Convert the File to PDF: If the file you are trying to preview is in a different format (e.g., Word, Excel, image files), convert it to PDF format using appropriate software or tools.
  
  
  Check File Upload: Ensure that the file you are trying to preview has been uploaded correctly and is accessible in the system.
  
  
  Use the Correct Preview Functionality: Make sure you are using the correct functionality within SAP to preview documents. Sometimes, the preview option may be context-sensitive.
  
  
  Check User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to view the document. Sometimes, access restrictions can lead to issues in previewing files.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support: If the issue persists, check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that might address this error. You can search the SAP Support Portal for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP PLM Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for PLM for more details on document management and supported file formats.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums where other users may have encountered similar issues and can provide insights or solutions.
  File Management Best Practices: Familiarize yourself with best practices for file management within SAP PLM to avoid similar issues in the future.
  
  By ensuring that you are working with PDF files and following the above steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully preview your documents in SAP.