How to Insert a PDF File Into a Word Document

The fastest way to add a PDF to Word

You can insert a PDF into a Word document in two ways: as an image that displays the PDF content, or as an embedded object that stays linked to the original file. The image method works on all versions of Word and shows exactly what the PDF looks like. The object method takes more steps but lets you open the PDF from inside Word without leaving the document.

For most people, inserting the PDF as an image is simpler and more reliable. This guide covers both methods so you can pick the one that fits what you need to do.

Key Takeaways

The image method converts your PDF into a picture inside Word, which works on every version of Word and displays exactly what the PDF contains.
The object method embeds the PDF file itself, letting you open it from within Word, but requires more steps and works better on newer versions.
If your PDF has multiple pages, inserting it as an image will only show the first page — you will need to insert each page separately or use the object method.
Inserting as an image creates a static picture that cannot be edited, while inserting as an object keeps the original PDF file intact and openable.

Insert a PDF as an image (works on all versions)

This method converts the PDF into a picture that sits inside your Word document. The image shows exactly what the PDF looks like, and you can resize it or move it around like any other picture. This works on Windows and Mac, and on every recent version of Word.

Step 1: Open your Word document and click where you want the PDF to appear. Step 2: Go to the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon. Step 3: Click Pictures (or Pictures > This Device on newer versions). Step 4: Find your PDF file in the file browser and click it once to select it. Step 5: Click Insert. Word will convert the first page of the PDF into an image and place it in your document.

If your PDF has more than one page and you need all of them in Word, you will have to insert each page separately. To do this, you can open the PDF in a program like Adobe Reader, take a screenshot of each page, and insert those images instead. Or you can use the object method described below, which embeds the entire PDF file.

Insert a PDF as an embedded object

This method places the actual PDF file inside your Word document. When you double-click it, the PDF opens in a separate window so you can read it without leaving Word. The embedded file stays connected to the original, so if someone updates the PDF, you can refresh it in Word. This method works best on Word 2016 and newer on Windows, and Word 2016 and newer on Mac.

Step 1: Open your Word document and click where you want the PDF to go. Step 2: Go to the Insert tab at the top. Step 3: Click Object (on Mac, this is under Insert > Object). Step 4: A dialog box will open. Click the Create from File tab. Step 5: Click Browse, find your PDF file, and click Open. Step 6: Check the box next to "Link to file" if you want Word to update the PDF automatically if the original file changes. Leave it unchecked if you want a static copy. Step 7: Click OK. Word will insert an icon or thumbnail representing the PDF.

When someone opens your Word document, they can double-click the PDF icon to open the file. If you checked "Link to file", Word will always show the current version of the PDF. If you left it unchecked, Word stores a copy of the PDF as it was when you inserted it.

Resize or move the PDF after inserting it

If you inserted the PDF as an image, you can resize it by clicking and dragging the corners. Click and drag from the middle to move it to a different spot on the page. Right-click the image to wrap text around it, change how it sits on the page, or crop it.

If you inserted it as an object, you can move it by clicking and dragging, but you cannot resize it the same way. To make it larger or smaller, right-click it and look for a Size option in the menu. Some versions of Word do not let you resize embedded objects, so the image method may work better if you need to change the size.

What to do if the PDF does not insert

If you try to insert a PDF and nothing happens, the file may be corrupted or in a format Word does not recognize. Try opening the PDF in Adobe Reader or another PDF viewer first to make sure it opens correctly. If it does, try inserting it again.

If the image method does not work, try the object method instead. If the object method does not work, your version of Word may not support it — try the image method. If neither works, the PDF file itself may have a problem. You can try exporting the PDF again from its original source, or ask the person who created it for a fresh copy.

On Mac, if you see an error about permissions, make sure you have read access to the PDF file. Right-click the PDF in Finder, click Get Info, and check that your user account is listed under Sharing & Permissions with at least Read access.

Inserting a PDF versus copying and pasting

You might think you could just copy the PDF and paste it into Word, but this does not work the way you would expect. Pasting a PDF usually pastes only the text content, not the layout or images. Inserting it as described above preserves the PDF exactly as it looks.

If you only need the text from the PDF, copying and pasting can work — open the PDF, select the text you want, copy it, and paste it into Word. But if you need the PDF to look the same way it does in the original file, use one of the insertion methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert a multi-page PDF into Word?

If you use the image method, only the first page will insert. You will need to insert each page separately. If you use the object method, the entire PDF embeds, but it shows as a single icon or thumbnail — when someone opens it, they see all pages in a PDF viewer window.

Will the PDF stay editable after I insert it?

No. If you insert it as an image, it becomes a picture and cannot be edited. If you insert it as an object, it stays as a PDF file, but you cannot edit it directly in Word — you have to open it in a PDF editor. To edit the content, you need the original file that created the PDF.

What if I insert a PDF and then the original file gets deleted?

If you inserted it as an image, the image stays in Word because it is now part of the document. If you inserted it as an object with "Link to file" checked, Word will show an error because it cannot find the original file — uncheck "Link to file" next time to avoid this. If you inserted it without linking, the PDF copy stays embedded.

Can I insert a PDF into Word on a phone or tablet?

Word for iPhone and iPad does not support inserting PDFs as objects. You can take a screenshot of the PDF and insert that as an image, but the image method through the Insert menu may not work on mobile versions. Desktop Word is more reliable for this task.

Does inserting a PDF make my Word file much larger?

Yes. Inserting a PDF as an image or object adds the file size of the PDF to your Word document. If the PDF is large, your Word file will be noticeably bigger. If file size matters, consider linking to the PDF instead of embedding it, or inserting only the pages you need.

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.