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Microsoft has made it easy to insert PDFs into Word. So, you don’t need to rewrite everything in the PDF’s content into your Word document. 

Plus, it can be challenging to replicate the PDF’s content if it contains images, designs, diagrams, etc, onto the Word document. 

However, the process can be tricky, especially if you want a diagram in the PDF to appear the same in Word. But, no need to worry! 

We’ll show you how to insert a PDF into a Word document and the crucial tips and tricks you need to know. 

Let’s dive right in! 

Why Insert a PDF into Word?

Inserting a PDF allows you to add different types of content to a single document, making it simple to manage, share with colleagues, or submit a report.

For example, let’s say you have a presentation or report in a PDF format you want to include in your proposal.

You can import a PDF into Word to have all the important information in one document.

Depending on how you insert the PDF into Word, you can edit the PDF content to suit your preferences. 

Related: How to Set Microsoft Office Word as Default in Windows 10?

Can You Insert a PDF into Word?

Yes. Microsoft has made it easy for users to insert a PDF file into a Word document. You can add PDFs as clickable objects, link to them, or add them as images. 

You can even learn how to embed a PDF in Word! In the following sections, we’ll show you how to insert a PDF into Word and provide key points to remember. 

There are several ways to learn how to put a PDF into Word. How you insert the PDF will determine whether or not you can edit the file. 

For example, when you add a PDF as an object, you can’t edit its text but can comment, view, or annotate. 

If you want to edit the PDF’s text, you’ll have to convert it first before inserting it into the Word document. 

Related: PDFs Not Opening? Learn How to Open PDF Files

How to Insert a PDF into a Word Document

If you want to know how to add a PDF to a Word document, follow the methods below.

Method 1: Insert a PDF as an object

If you’re not planning on editing the PDF file, insert it as an object. Here’s how to embed a PDF in Word:

  • The first step is to open your Word document. 
  • Click “Insert” in the menu bar and select “Object” in the “Text” section. 
Embed PDF in Word
  • When the “Object” window appears, click the “Create from File” tab and choose “Browse.” 
Word create from file
  • Search for your PDF file, select it, and click “Insert.” 
  • If you want to link the PDF to the original file, select “Link to file.” You can also select “Display as icon” to display the PDF as an icon. Depending on your preference, you can select both. After, select “OK.”
If you want changes to the original PDF file to reflect the inserted file, choose the “Link to file” option. However, if you don’t want the PDF to take up too much space, select the “Display as icon.” 

If you don’t select any of these options, the PDF file will display everything in Word. Any changes you make in the source PDF file won’t affect the inserted file. 

Word link to file

This process will insert the PDF into your Word document. 

If you’re having problems reducing the document size, check this guide: How to Reduce the Size of a Word Document?

Inserting and attaching a PDF to a Word document are not the same. Keep that in mind. When you insert a file into Word, it becomes part of your document. 

That means any changes you make in this document won’t affect or reflect in the original PDF file. 

However, when you attach a PDF to a Word document, you only link to the original PDF file. That means the PDF file is separate from the Word document. 

So, when you click on the PDF file, it’ll open in its default application, like Adobe Acrobat Reader, not in the Word document.

Method 2: Insert a PDF as text

Here’s how to copy a PDF into Word as text:

  • Open your Word document. 
  • Click “Insert” in the menu bar and select “Object.” 
  • Next, select “Text from File” from the drop-down menu. 
Word text from file
  • A window will open; search for and click on the PDF file and select “Insert.” 
PC Desktop contract
  • A window will pop up, letting you know it’ll convert your PDF into an editable Word document. Click “OK” to accept. 
Word will now convert your PDF into an editable document
If you want to insert a few texts from PDF into your Word document, you can use the copy-and-paste command. Just select the texts you want to copy and press “Ctrl + C.” 

Then, switch to your Word document and press “Ctrl + V” to paste them. This method can be used for numerous pages. 

However, depending on the formatting, it can be challenging and time-consuming. So, it’s best to use the copy-and-paste method for short sections.

Method 3: Insert a PDF as an image

If you want to convert your PDF file into a static image and add it to Word, follow the steps below:

When you insert a PDF as an image, you can’t just edit it, and it’ll remain the same even if you update the original file. 
  • First, convert the PDF to a JPG file using a conversion tool. If it’s a single page, you can take a screenshot using the Windows snipping tool. 
Save the JPG file in an easy-to-find place, such as the Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folder. 
  • Open your Word document and place the cursor where you want the image to be. 
  • Click the “Insert” tab at the menu bar and select “Pictures.” 
  • When the drop-down menu appears, click “This Device.” 
Insert pictures this device
  • Search the folder where you saved the JPG file and select “Insert.” 
convert word

Also read: How to Use Microsoft Word Without Problems: Useful Tips & Fixes

How to Insert a Multi-Page PDF into Word

If you want to insert a multi-page PDF into your Word document, you can use the methods discussed above.

However, depending on the version of your Word, you may only see a single page of your PDF. If all the PDF pages display in Word, great, you’re good to go!

If not, follow the steps below:

  • You can split your PDF into single pages online using Adobe Acrobat. You can also convert PDF pages into an image file using Adobe Acrobat’s PDF to JPG image tool. 
  • After the conversion, open your Word document. 
  • Put the cursor where you want the PDF files to be. 
  • Click the “Insert” tab at the menu bar and select “Pictures.” 
  • When the drop-down menu appears, click “This Device.” 
Insert pictures this device
  • Locate the single pages, select them, and click “Insert.” 

Also read: [FIXED] Why Can’t I Print PDF Files on Windows 10? 

How to Insert a PDF into Word: Explained

Throughout this article, we’ve discussed how to insert a PDF into a Word document. Go through the methods and choose one that suits your preference.

The easiest method is copying and pasting the PDF into your Word document. However, sometimes, you can’t copy the text.

This happens when the PDF file has a copy and paste restriction. Another reason could be that the PDF’s content is scanned, so you can’t copy the text.

If the PDF is protected, you’ll have to ask for permission to copy it.

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FAQ

Yes. You can easily open PDFs in Word. The first step is to open Microsoft Word and click “Open” on the home page. Then, select “Export.” A window will open for you to search for and open the PDF file. After finding the PDF file, click “Open” or double-click to open it. That’s it! 
There are several ways to copy, and paste a PDF into Word. The easiest way is to open your PDF document, select the text you want to copy, and press “Ctrl + C.” Then, switch to the Word document and press “Ctrl + V” to paste it. If you want to paste the entire PDF, press “Ctrl + A” to select the entire PDF document before pressing “Ctrl + C.” 
If you want to insert a PDF into your Word document, place your cursor where you want to insert the PDF. Then, select “Insert” and click the arrow beside “Object.” Next, click “Text from File” from the drop-down menu that appears. When the “Insert File” dialog box appears, search for and double-click the PDF file. A dialog box explaining that the PDF will be converted to a Word document will appear. Click the “OK” button to insert the PDF document. 
Before inserting your PDF document as an image, you must convert it using a PDF conversion tool like Adobe DC. After converting, open your Word document, place the cursor where you want to insert the PDF image, and click “Insert.”Then, click the “Pictures” button. A window will appear; select the PDF image and click “Insert” to insert your PDF image.