How to Insert a PDF Into a Word Document

The simplest way to add a PDF to Word

You can insert a PDF into a Word document in three ways: as an image that displays the PDF's first page, as an embedded object you can click to open, or by converting the PDF to Word format first. The method you choose depends on whether you need the PDF to look exactly as it was, whether you want to edit the content, or whether you just need a reference copy inside your document.

The fastest route for most people is inserting the PDF as an image. This works on Windows and Mac, takes about 30 seconds, and the PDF shows up as a picture you can resize. The tradeoff is that only the first page appears, and you cannot click through to other pages from inside Word.

If you need all pages visible or want the file to remain clickable, embedding the PDF as an object is better. If you need to edit the text inside the PDF, converting it to Word format first is the only option — though the conversion is rarely perfect, especially with complex layouts or images.

Key Takeaways

Inserting a PDF as an image shows only the first page but takes 30 seconds and works on any device with Word installed.
Embedding a PDF as an object keeps the file intact and clickable, but the file size grows and the PDF does not display as a preview in the document.
Converting a PDF to Word format first lets you edit the text, but the layout often shifts and images may not align correctly.
On Windows, use Insert > Pictures > From This Device to add a PDF as an image; on Mac, use Insert > Picture > Picture from File.
If your PDF is scanned text or an image-based file, Word cannot convert it to editable text — you would need optical character recognition software first.

Inserting a PDF as an image (Windows)

Open your Word document and place your cursor where you want the PDF to appear. Click the Insert tab at the top of the screen, then click Pictures, then select From This Device. A file browser window opens.

Navigate to the folder where your PDF is saved, click the PDF file to select it, then click Insert. Word converts the first page of the PDF into an image and places it in your document. You can now resize it by dragging the corners, move it around, or delete it like any other image.

The image is locked to the first page only — if your PDF has multiple pages, only the first one shows. The text inside the image cannot be selected or edited. If you need to reference a different page, you will have to insert that page as a separate image.

Inserting a PDF as an image (Mac)

Open your Word document and click where you want the PDF to appear. Click the Insert menu at the top, then click Picture, then select Picture from File. A file browser window opens.

Find your PDF file, click it to select it, then click Insert. Word displays the first page as an image in your document. You can resize it by dragging the corners or delete it by clicking it and pressing Delete.

Like the Windows version, this method shows only the first page and treats it as a static image. If you need multiple pages or want the PDF to remain a separate file, use the embedding method instead.

Embedding a PDF as an object (Windows and Mac)

Embedding keeps the PDF as a file inside your Word document rather than converting it to an image. The PDF does not display as a preview, but anyone who opens the Word document can double-click the object to open the full PDF in their PDF reader.

On Windows: Click Insert, then Object (you may need to click the small arrow next to it to see the full menu), then select Create from File. Click Browse, find your PDF, click it, then click Insert. Check the box next to Display as icon if you want it to show as a clickable icon rather than a preview. Click OK.

On Mac: Click Insert, then scroll down and click Object, then click Create from File. Click Browse, select your PDF, then click Insert. Check Display as icon if you prefer an icon to a preview, then click OK.

The embedded PDF increases your Word file size, sometimes significantly if the PDF is large. When you email the document or move it to another computer, the embedded PDF travels with it — you do not need to send the PDF separately.

Converting a PDF to Word format first

If you need to edit the text inside the PDF, you must convert it to Word format before inserting it. Word itself cannot convert PDFs — you need a separate tool. Microsoft's free online converter at cloudconvert.com or smallpdf.com can do this, as can Adobe Acrobat (paid) or free desktop software like LibreOffice.

Upload your PDF to the converter, select Word as the output format, read the converted file, then open it in Word. The text is now editable, but the layout often shifts — images may move, columns may collapse, and spacing may change. Complex PDFs with tables or multiple columns convert poorly.

After conversion, you may need to spend time cleaning up the formatting. If the PDF is scanned text (a photograph of a page rather than text-based), the converter cannot read it — you would need optical character recognition software, which is usually not free.

When each method makes sense

Use the image method if you need a quick visual reference and only care about the first page. This is fastest and works everywhere Word works.

Use embedding if you want to preserve the entire PDF as-is and do not mind the file size increase. This is useful when you need the PDF to remain a separate, clickable file inside your document.

Use conversion if you need to edit the text or pull specific content from the PDF into your Word document. Expect to spend time fixing the layout afterward, especially if the PDF is complex.

If your PDF is scanned or image-based, none of these methods will let you edit the text. You would need optical character recognition software first, which converts images of text into actual text you can select and edit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert a PDF so that all pages show in Word?

Not as a single object. If you insert as an image, only the first page appears. If you embed it, the PDF remains a file you click to open — it does not display inside Word. To show all pages as images inside Word, insert each page separately as an image, which requires converting the PDF to separate image files first using a tool like smallpdf.com.

What happens to the embedded PDF if I email the Word document?

The PDF travels with it. Embedded files are stored inside the Word document itself, so anyone who receives the file can open it. The Word file will be larger than if you sent the PDF separately, but you do not need to attach the PDF as a second file.

Why does my converted PDF look different in Word?

Conversion software reads the PDF structure but cannot always recreate the exact layout. Columns may merge, images may shift, and spacing may change. Complex PDFs with tables or unusual formatting convert worse than straightforward text documents. You usually need to manually fix the layout after conversion.

Can I edit text inside a PDF I inserted as an image?

No. When you insert a PDF as an image, Word treats it as a picture — you cannot select or edit the text inside it. You can only resize or delete the image. To edit the text, you must convert the PDF to Word format first.

Is there a way to insert a PDF without increasing the file size?

Yes — insert it as a link instead of embedding it. Click Insert, then Object, then Create from File, and check the box next to Link to file before clicking OK. The Word document will be much smaller, but the PDF must stay in the same location on your computer or network, or the link will break when someone opens the document.

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.