Fix Attached PDF in Word Showing Only an Icon and Not Opening
Question details
The user needs to fix a Word document where an attached PDF opens correctly on the original computer but displays as an unresponsive icon on other devices.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a Word document that contains an attached or embedded PDF file with another user or opening it on a different computer.
- Observed behavior
- The attached PDF opens fine on the creator's computer but shows only an icon and fails to open on the recipient's computer, despite a PDF reader being installed.
Verify that the original PDF file is still accessible on your local hard drive and that the recipient's computer has a default PDF reader application installed.
Re-insert the PDF as an Embedded Object Without Linking
Embed the PDF file directly into the Word document rather than creating a local link, ensuring the file travels with the document and opens on any computer.
When inserting a file as an object, checking the 'Link to file' option creates a relative link to your local hard drive. This works on your computer, but breaks when sent to someone else because they do not have access to your local files.
Open the Word document on the original computer and delete the current PDF icon that fails to open elsewhere.
Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Object' in the Text group.
In the Object dialog box, click on the 'Create from File' tab and browse to select the original PDF file from your computer.
Ensure the 'Link to file' checkbox is completely unchecked (cleared) so the document embeds the actual PDF rather than its local path.
Click 'OK' to insert the PDF. Save the document and test it on another computer to verify the PDF opens successfully.
Send the PDF as a Separate Attachment
Provide the PDF alongside the Word document as an independent file to bypass compatibility issues with embedded objects, especially on mobile devices.
Easily Embed PDFs into Documents with WPS Writer
Use WPS Writer to securely embed PDF files and other objects directly into your documents. Enjoy a powerful, intuitive interface that guarantees your files remain intact and accessible when shared across different devices and platforms.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you want to embed the PDF.
- 2. Insert Object: Go to the Insert tab, locate the 'Object' icon, and click it.
- 3. Choose the PDF: Select 'Create from file', click 'Browse' to find your PDF, and make sure 'Link to file' is unchecked.
- 4. Embed the file: Click 'OK' to securely embed the PDF into your WPS Writer document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the embedded PDF work on my computer but not for anyone else?
If the 'Link to file' option was checked during insertion, Word creates a relative link to the PDF on your local hard drive. Since other computers cannot access your local storage, the link breaks, resulting in an unresponsive icon.
Can I open embedded PDFs in Word on my mobile device?
Generally, PDFs inserted or dragged into a Word document as objects do not open correctly in mobile applications, such as Word for iPad or Android. For mobile users, it is highly recommended to send the PDF as a separate attachment.
Does the recipient need a PDF reader to open the embedded file?
Yes, even if the PDF is correctly embedded in the Word document without links, the recipient's computer must have a default PDF application installed to process and display the file when they double-click the object.
