How to Insert PDF in Excel - 4 Easy Methods
Learn how to insert a PDF into Excel, attach PDF files, and embed documents in your spreadsheets.
In This Guide:
Want to know how to insert PDF in Excel? There are several ways to add PDF documents to your Excel spreadsheets. Whether you want to attach a PDF to Excel as an embedded file, display it as an icon, or extract its data, this guide covers all the methods.
Why Insert PDF into Excel?
- Attach supporting documents like invoices, receipts, or contracts
- Keep all related files together in one workbook
- Reference PDF data alongside your spreadsheet data
- Create comprehensive reports with embedded documentation
Method 1: Insert PDF as Object (Embed)
This is the most common method to insert a PDF into Excel. The PDF file becomes embedded in your Excel workbook.
Steps to Insert PDF as Object:
- 1Open your Excel workbook
- 2Click on the cell where you want to insert the PDF
- 3Go to Insert tab in the ribbon
- 4Click Object (in the Text group)
- 5Select "Create from File" tab
- 6Click Browse and select your PDF file
- 7Check "Display as icon" (optional - shows PDF icon instead of preview)
- 8Click OK
Important Note
Embedding PDFs increases your Excel file size significantly. For large PDFs, consider using Method 2 (Link) instead.
Method 2: Insert PDF as Link
If you want to attach PDF in Excel without increasing file size, you can link to the PDF instead of embedding it.
Steps to Link PDF:
- 1Follow steps 1-6 from Method 1
- 2Check "Link to file" checkbox
- 3Check "Display as icon" (recommended)
- 4Click OK
Note: The PDF file must stay in the same location. If you move it, the link will break.
Method 3: Insert PDF as Image
Want to show the PDF content directly in Excel? Convert PDF pages to images first.
Steps:
- 1Use PDF to JPG converter to convert PDF pages to images
- 2In Excel, go to Insert → Pictures → This Device
- 3Select the converted image(s)
- 4Resize and position as needed
Method 4: Extract PDF Data to Excel
Need the actual data from a PDF table in your spreadsheet? Instead of inserting the PDF, convert it to Excel format.
Convert PDF to Excel
Extract tables and data from PDF files into editable Excel spreadsheets.
PDF to Excel ConverterWhich Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embed as Object | Sharing workbook with PDF | All-in-one file | Large file size |
| Link to File | Local use only | Small file size | Link can break |
| As Image | Displaying PDF content | Visible directly | Not editable |
| Extract Data | Using PDF data | Editable cells | Formatting may change |
Tips & Best Practices
Do
- • Use "Display as icon" for cleaner look
- • Compress PDFs before embedding
- • Use links for large PDFs
- • Keep original PDF as backup
Don't
- • Embed very large PDFs (50MB+)
- • Rely on links for shared files
- • Expect PDF text to be editable
- • Insert too many PDFs in one sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
How to insert a PDF into Excel on Mac?
The process is similar: Insert → Object → Create from File → Browse → Select PDF. On some Mac versions, you may need to use the "Text" button instead of "Object".
Can I edit the PDF content after inserting?
No, the inserted PDF is not editable in Excel. Double-click the embedded object to open it in a PDF viewer. To edit PDF data in Excel, use our PDF to Excel converter.
Why can't I see the Insert Object option?
In Excel Online (web version), the Object feature is not available. You need the desktop version of Excel to insert PDF files.
How to attach PDF in Excel without Adobe?
You don't need Adobe to insert PDF in Excel! Just use Insert → Object → Create from File. Excel can embed PDFs regardless of which PDF reader you have installed.
Need to Convert PDF to Excel?
Extract tables and data from PDF files into editable Excel format. Free online converter.
Convert PDF to Excel Free