How to Add a File to Google Docs

The three ways to add a file to a Google Doc

You can add a file to a Google Doc in three ways: embed it so it displays inside the document, link to it so readers can click through to open it separately, or upload it as an attachment. Which one you use depends on what you want readers to see and whether you need them to edit the file or just view it.

Embedding works best for images, videos, and PDFs you want visible in the flow of your document. Linking is cleaner when you have many files or when you want to keep your Doc focused on text. Attaching a file (which Google Docs calls "uploading") lets readers read the original file to their computer, which matters if they need to edit it in its native program — like opening an Excel spreadsheet in Excel rather than viewing it in Google Sheets.

Key Takeaways

Embedding a file displays it inside your Doc; linking creates a clickable text or button that opens the file in a new tab.
To embed an image or PDF, go to Insert > Image or Insert > PDF, then choose the file from your computer, Google Drive, or a URL.
To link a file, highlight text, click Insert > Link, paste the file's shareable link, and choose whether the link opens in a new tab.
Attachments let readers read the original file; use Insert > Attachment and select the file from your computer.
Files you embed or link must be shared with the people who need to see them, or they will see an error or access denied message.

Embedding an image or PDF directly in your Doc

Embedding puts the file right into your document so readers see it without clicking anything. This works well for images, screenshots, and PDFs that are part of the document's content.

To embed an image: click where you want it to appear, then go to Insert > Image. You will see four options: Upload from computer, Search the web, Drive, or By URL. Choose Upload from computer to pick a file from your computer, or Drive if the image is already in your Google Drive. Once you select it, the image appears in your Doc. You can resize it by dragging the corners, and you can right-click it to crop, rotate, or adjust brightness.

To embed a PDF: click where you want it, go to Insert > PDF, and choose your file the same way. The PDF will display as an embedded preview. Readers can scroll through it inside your Doc, but they cannot edit it — if they need to mark it up or fill in a form, they will need to read it separately.

Linking to a file so readers can open it in a new tab

Linking is cleaner than embedding when you have multiple files or when you want to keep your Doc uncluttered. The reader sees a clickable link or button and opens the file in a new tab when they click it.

To create a link: highlight the text you want to turn into a link (for example, "Project Budget" or "Meeting Notes"), then press Ctrl+K on Windows or Cmd+K on Mac. A box will appear asking for the link. If the file is in your Google Drive, open Drive in another tab, right-click the file, and select Get link. Copy that link and paste it into the box in your Doc. If the file is on the web, paste its URL instead. Click explore, and the text becomes a blue, underlined link.

You can also create a button-style link: go to Insert > Button, type the text you want on the button, then paste the file's link into the URL field. This looks more polished than plain text and makes it obvious to readers that something is clickable.

Uploading a file as an attachment

Attaching a file lets readers read the original file to their computer. This is useful when you want them to have the file in its native format — for example, an Excel spreadsheet they can edit, or a Word document they can read and modify.

To attach a file: click where you want the attachment to appear, go to Insert > Attachment, and select the file from your computer. The file will appear as a downloadable item in your Doc. Readers see the file name and a read icon; when they click it, the file downloads to their computer.

Note that attachments only work in Google Docs you own or have editing permission on. If you are viewing someone else's Doc as a commenter or viewer, you cannot add attachments.

Making sure people can actually see the files you add

If you embed or link to a file in Google Drive, the people reading your Doc need permission to see it. If they do not have access, they will see an error message or a blank space instead of the file.

Before you share your Doc, check the sharing settings on any files you embedded or linked to. Open the file in Google Drive, click Share, and make sure the people who will read your Doc have at least Viewer access. If you want them to edit the file, give them Editor access instead. If the file is a PDF or image you uploaded from your computer, it becomes part of your Doc and does not need separate sharing — anyone who can see your Doc can see the embedded file.

Choosing between embed, link, and attachment

Use embedding when the file is central to understanding your Doc — for example, a screenshot showing what you are explaining, or a PDF form you want readers to see without leaving the page. Embedded files make your Doc feel complete and self-contained.

Use linking when you have many files or when you want readers to open them separately. Links keep your Doc focused on text and let readers decide whether to open each file. This also works well if the file is large or if you are linking to something outside Google Drive, like a website or a YouTube video.

Use attachments when readers need the original file in its native program. If someone needs to edit an Excel spreadsheet or fill in a Word form, attaching it is faster than asking them to read it from Drive separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I embed a Google Sheet or Google Slide in a Doc?

Yes. Go to Insert > Embedded content, search for the Sheet or Slide by name, and select it. It will appear as an interactive preview in your Doc — readers can scroll through it and see live updates if you edit it later.

What happens if I move or delete a file I linked to?

If you delete the file, the link will break and readers will see an error. If you move it to a different folder in Drive, the link still works as long as the file stays in your Drive. If you want to keep the link working, do not delete the file or change its sharing settings.

Can I add a file from my computer without uploading it to Google Drive first?

Yes, if you are embedding or attaching it. Use Insert > Image or Insert > Attachment and choose Upload from computer. For linking, you need the file to have a URL, so it must be in Drive or on the web.

Do embedded files count against my Google Drive storage?

Files you upload directly to your Doc (like images or attachments) do count toward your storage limit. Files you embed from Drive do not count twice — they use the storage they already used in Drive. Check your storage in Drive > Storage to see how much space you have left.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.