How to Insert a PDF Into a Word Document

The three ways to put a PDF into Word, and when each one works

You can insert a PDF into a Word document in three different ways, and which one you choose depends on what you want to do with it afterward. The simplest method embeds the PDF as an object you can click to open — useful if you just need the PDF to sit there for reference. The second method converts the PDF content into editable Word text, which works well if the PDF is mostly text and you want to edit it alongside your document. The third method inserts the PDF as an image, which preserves exactly how it looks but means you cannot edit the content inside Word.

Each method takes about two minutes. The choice matters because once you pick one, changing your mind means starting over. If you are not sure which direction you need, the section below walks through what each one is actually for.

Key Takeaways

Embedding a PDF as an object (Insert > Object > Create from File) keeps the PDF intact and clickable, but you cannot edit its contents inside Word.
Converting a PDF to Word text (File > Open > select your PDF file) only works well if the PDF is mostly text without complex layouts or images.
Inserting a PDF as an image (Insert > Pictures > select your PDF) preserves the exact appearance but treats it as a picture you cannot edit.
The PDF file must exist on your computer or a cloud drive you can access — you cannot insert a PDF directly from a web link.
Word for Mac, Word Online, and Word for Windows have slightly different steps, so check which version you are using before you start.

Embedding a PDF so it opens when clicked

This is the method to use if you want the PDF to stay as a separate file inside your Word document. When someone opens your Word file, they see a small icon or preview of the PDF. They click it to open the full PDF in their default PDF reader (usually Adobe Reader or your browser). The PDF itself does not change, and you do not need to edit what is inside it.

In Word for Windows, go to the Insert tab at the top. Click Object (you may need to click the small arrow next to it to see the dropdown). Choose Create from File. Click Browse, find your PDF on your computer, and select it. Check the box that says Display as icon if you want just an icon instead of a preview. Click Insert. The PDF is now embedded in your document.

In Word for Mac, the steps are similar but the menu location is different. Go to Insert > Object > Object again (the second one opens a dialog). Click Create from File, then Browse to find your PDF. Check Display as icon and click Insert.

In Word Online (the version you use in a web browser), this method is not available. You will need to use one of the other two methods instead.

Converting a PDF to editable Word text

This method works only if your PDF is mostly text — contracts, reports, letters, things without heavy graphics or complex page layouts. Word will attempt to read the text and convert it into a Word document you can edit. If the PDF has images, tables with odd formatting, or text arranged in columns, the conversion usually scrambles the layout.

Open Word and go to File > Open. In the file browser, change the file type dropdown from "Word Documents" to All Files or PDF Files. Find your PDF and select it. Click Open. Word will ask if you want to convert the PDF — click OK. Word then converts the PDF and opens it as a new editable document.

The conversion is not perfect. You will usually need to fix spacing, re-align text, and clean up formatting. But if the PDF is a straightforward text document, this method saves you from retyping everything. Save the converted document with a new name so you keep the original PDF unchanged.

This method works in Word for Windows and Word for Mac. Word Online does not support opening PDFs this way.

Inserting a PDF as an image

Use this method when you want the PDF to look exactly as it does in its original form and you do not need to edit the text inside it. Word converts each page of the PDF into a picture. The PDF becomes part of your Word document, not a separate file you click to open.

Go to Insert > Pictures > This Device (or From this device on Mac). Find your PDF file and select it. Click Insert. If your PDF has multiple pages, Word will ask which page you want to insert — you can only insert one page at a time, so you will need to repeat this step for each page you want.

Once inserted, you can resize the image, move it around, and wrap text around it like any other picture in Word. You cannot edit the text or content inside the image — it is locked as a picture. This method works in Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word Online.

When the PDF file is on OneDrive or SharePoint instead of your computer

If your PDF lives in OneDrive, SharePoint, or Google Drive, you can still insert it, but the steps change slightly. For embedding or converting, you first need to read the PDF to your computer, then follow the steps above. Word cannot directly access cloud files for these operations.

If you are inserting as an image, you can browse directly to your cloud storage in the file picker. Go to Insert > Pictures and look for Online Sources or Browse Cloud Locations. Sign in to your cloud account and select the PDF. Word will read it temporarily and insert it as an image.

Troubleshooting the most common problems

The PDF will not open after I embed it. The person opening your Word file needs a PDF reader installed on their computer. Most computers come with one built in, but if they do not, they can read Adobe Reader for free. Also check that the PDF file path is still valid — if you moved or deleted the original PDF file after embedding it, the link breaks.

The converted text looks scrambled or the layout is wrong. This happens with PDFs that have images, multiple columns, or unusual formatting. The conversion method works best on straightforward text documents. Try the image method instead if the layout matters, or manually clean up the converted text if you only need the words.

Word says it cannot open the PDF. The PDF file may be corrupted, password-protected, or in a format Word does not recognize. Try opening the PDF in Adobe Reader first to confirm it works. If it does, try converting it to a different format (like printing it to PDF again) and then inserting that version.

I inserted a multi-page PDF but only one page shows up. Word inserts one page at a time when you use the image method. If you need all pages in your Word document, insert each page separately, or use the embedding method instead so the full PDF opens when clicked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit text inside a PDF after I insert it into Word?

Only if you use the conversion method, which turns the PDF into editable Word text. If you embed the PDF or insert it as an image, the content stays locked. You would need to edit the original PDF file separately, then re-insert it into your Word document.

What happens if I move or delete the original PDF file after embedding it?

The link breaks and the embedded PDF will not open. If you embedded it, Word stores a reference to the file location, not a copy of the file itself. Keep the original PDF in the same folder, or use the image method instead if you want the PDF content to travel with your Word document.

Can I insert a PDF from a website link without downloading it first?

No. Word requires the PDF file to exist on your computer or an accessible cloud drive. You cannot insert directly from a web link. read the PDF to your computer first, then insert it.

Does the file size of my Word document get much bigger when I insert a PDF?

Yes, especially with the image method. Embedding adds the file size of the PDF itself. Converting usually results in a smaller file because Word stores only the text, not the original PDF. If file size matters, embedding is usually smaller than inserting as images, and converting is smallest of all.

Will the PDF look the same on someone else's computer after I send them the Word file?

If you embedded it, yes — they will see the same PDF icon or preview. If you inserted it as an image, yes — the image will look the same. If you converted it to text, the formatting may look slightly different depending on what fonts and settings they have, just like any other Word text.

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.