How to Insert a PDF Into a Word Document

The three ways to add a PDF to Word

You can insert a PDF into a Word document in three different ways, depending on what you want to do with it. The simplest method embeds the PDF as an image — it shows up as a picture you can resize but cannot edit. The second method links to the PDF file instead of embedding it, so the file stays separate and the link updates if you move the PDF. The third method converts the PDF to editable text first, which takes more steps but gives you a document you can actually edit inside Word.

Which method you choose depends on whether you need the PDF to stay as a visual object, whether you want to edit its contents, and whether the file needs to travel with your Word document or stay linked to a folder on your computer.

Key Takeaways

Inserting a PDF as an image is the fastest method and works on both Windows and Mac, but you cannot edit the PDF text inside Word.
Linking to a PDF keeps the file separate and smaller, but the link breaks if you move or delete the original PDF file.
Converting a PDF to Word first lets you edit the text, but the conversion is not perfect and works better on straightforward PDFs than complex ones.
On Windows, you can use Insert > Object to embed a PDF so it opens in a separate window when clicked, keeping your Word file cleaner.

Inserting a PDF as an image (the fastest method)

Open your Word document and click where you want the PDF to appear. Go to the Insert tab at the top, then click Pictures and choose This Device. Navigate to your PDF file and select it, then click Insert. Word will convert the PDF to an image and place it in your document.

The PDF now appears as a picture you can resize by dragging the corners. You can move it around, add captions, or wrap text around it. However, you cannot edit any text inside the PDF — it is locked as an image. If the PDF has multiple pages, Word inserts only the first page. This method works the same way on both Windows and Mac versions of Word.

Linking to a PDF instead of embedding it

Linking keeps your Word file smaller because the PDF stays in its own file rather than being copied into the document. Click where you want the link to appear, go to Insert, then click Link. In the dialog box, navigate to your PDF file, select it, and click Insert. Word creates a clickable link that opens the PDF in your default PDF reader when someone clicks it.

The downside is that the link only works if the PDF file stays in the same location. If you move the PDF to a different folder or delete it, the link breaks and shows an error. If you email the Word document to someone else, they will not be able to open the PDF unless you also send them the file. Use this method when the PDF is stored in a shared folder that everyone on your team can access, or when you want to keep your Word document file size small.

Converting a PDF to Word first (for editable text)

If you need to edit the text inside the PDF, convert it to a Word document first. Open Word and go to File > Open. Navigate to your PDF file and select it, then click Open. Word will attempt to convert the PDF to editable text and open it as a new document.

The conversion works better on straightforward PDFs with mostly text and basic formatting. PDFs with complex layouts, images, tables, or special fonts often convert poorly — text may be in the wrong order, spacing may be off, or images may not convert at all. After Word opens the converted document, you can edit it normally, then save it as a .docx file. You can then copy sections of this converted document and paste them into your original Word file if needed.

Embedding a PDF on Windows (opens in a separate window)

Windows users have an additional option that keeps the PDF separate from the Word document. Click where you want the PDF to appear, go to Insert, then click Object (you may need to click the arrow next to it to see more options). In the dialog box, click the Create from File tab, then click Browse and select your PDF. Check the box for Display as Icon if you want it to show as a small icon rather than a preview, then click OK.

When someone opens the Word document and double-clicks the embedded PDF, it opens in a separate window using their default PDF reader. This keeps your Word document clean and readable while still including the PDF. The PDF is embedded in the Word file, so it travels with the document if you email it or move it. This method does not work on Mac — Mac users should use the image insertion method instead.

Choosing the right method for your situation

Use the image insertion method if you need a quick, straightforward solution and do not need to edit the PDF. This works on any computer and the PDF shows up when ready in your document. Use linking if the PDF is stored in a shared location and you want to keep your Word file small. Use PDF-to-Word conversion if you need to edit the text and the PDF is straightforward enough to convert cleanly. Use embedded objects on Windows if you want the PDF to stay with your document but open separately when clicked.

Test your chosen method with a small section of your document first, especially if you are converting a PDF or linking to one. This way you can see whether the result looks the way you want before you commit to the method for your entire project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert multiple pages of a PDF at once?

The image insertion method only captures the first page. To insert multiple pages, you can insert each page separately as an image, or convert the entire PDF to Word first and then copy the sections you need. Linking to the PDF is the easiest way to reference a multi-page document without inserting each page individually.

What if the PDF won't convert to Word?

PDFs with scanned images, handwriting, or complex layouts often will not convert cleanly. Try inserting it as an image instead, or use a dedicated PDF-to-Word converter tool outside of Word. Some converters handle difficult PDFs better than Word's built-in conversion, though results vary.

Will the PDF stay in my Word document if I move the file?

It depends on your method. If you inserted it as an image or embedded it as an object, the PDF is stored inside the Word file and stays there. If you linked to it, the link breaks if you move or delete the original PDF file. Always keep linked PDFs in a stable location if others need to open your Word document.

Can I edit the PDF text after inserting it into Word?

Only if you convert the PDF to Word first. Inserting as an image or linking locks the PDF as a separate object you cannot edit. Conversion works best on text-heavy PDFs with straightforward formatting.

Does this work the same way on Mac and Windows?

Image insertion and linking work the same on both. The embedded object method only works on Windows. Mac users should use image insertion or conversion instead.

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.