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How to Insert and Embed a PDF File in Microsoft Word Document

Embedding a PDF file in a Word document allows you to include the content from the PDF without having to reformat it. This keeps the PDF content intact, while allowing it to be viewed directly within the Word document.

Benefits of embedding a PDF in Word:

  • Retains PDF formatting and layout
  • PDF becomes part of Word file for easy sharing/printing
  • Readers don’t need additional software to view PDF content
  • Changes to original PDF won’t be reflected in embedded version

Insert an Editable PDF

The easiest way to insert a PDF into Word is to open it, which converts the PDF to editable Word content:

  1. Open the Word document
  2. Select the Insert tab > Object > Open
  3. Select the PDF and click Open
  4. The PDF content is now editable Word content
  • This method imports the PDF into Word as editable text and images
  • Formatting may change from original PDF
  • Interactive PDF elements won’t be included

Embed a PDF as an Object

To retain PDF formatting, embed it into Word as a non-editable object:

  1. Place cursor where to embed PDF
  2. Go to Insert tab > Object > Object
  3. Select Create from File > Browse to PDF
  4. Check Display as Icon
  5. Click OK
  • The original PDF formatting will be retained
  • The embedded PDF object is not editable
  • Interactive elements won’t be included

Embed Only a Portion of PDF

To embed only a portion of PDF content:

  1. Use Adobe Acrobat to export the desired pages to new PDF
  2. Follow steps above to embed new PDF file in Word
  • The original PDF file will remain intact
  • Only the content you need will be embedded

Resize Embedded PDF Object

If the embedded PDF space is too large or small:

  1. Double click the PDF object
  2. Drag corner handles to resize
  3. Click outside object to finish

Edit Embedded PDF Content

To edit text or images from an embedded PDF object:

  1. Double click the object to open the PDF content
  2. Copy text/images and paste into Word doc
  3. Edit content within Word
  4. Delete original object
  • Provides option to edit content
  • Original PDF file will not change
  • Some formatting may be lost

Link Word Document to PDF for Updates

To link to original PDF so embedded version updates:

  1. Follow embedding steps above
  2. Check Link to File option
  3. Changes to original PDF will reflect in Word
  • Link ensures Word document updates
  • Requires original PDF to remain in same location
  • Not recommended for confidential documents

Remove Embedded PDF from Word

To remove a PDF embedded in Word:

  1. Select the PDF object
  2. Press Delete key
  3. Confirm deletion by clicking Yes

Best Practices When Embedding PDFs in Word

Follow these guidelines for best results:

  • Retain PDF formatting by embedding it as an object
  • Link to original PDF if you want document to update
  • Resize object if needed to fit content appropriately
  • Edit content by copying/pasting into Word doc
  • Remove links for confidential documents

Embedding a PDF into Word integrates external content easily, allowing you to consolidate files and share them using only Word. Just remember – if you want to maintain the original PDF formatting and layout, embed it as an object rather than opening it directly in Word.

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