How to Fix Word Exporting Embedded PDFs as Images
Question details
Users want to know how to export a Word document with embedded PDFs to a final PDF, MHT, or HTML file without the embedded attachments turning into unopenable images.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting a Word document containing embedded PDF or file objects into a standard PDF format for sharing.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word flattens embedded PDF files into static images during the export process, preventing readers from clicking or opening the attached files.
Before attempting any workarounds, ensure you have the original PDF files saved separately on your local drive, as you will need them to re-attach to your final document.
Workaround: Attach Files Directly in a Dedicated PDF Editor
Since Microsoft Word natively flattens embedded objects upon export, the most reliable method is to attach the files directly to the document after it has been converted to a PDF.
Microsoft Word's PDF rendering engine does not support preserving active OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) objects. To get a PDF with active attachments, you must bypass Word's native object embedding.
By using a PDF editor like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat, you can add clickable attachments directly to the PDF file structure, ensuring they open properly for the recipient.
In your Word document, go to 'File' > 'Save As' and select 'PDF' to export the base document.
Launch your preferred PDF editor (such as WPS Office PDF Editor) and open the newly created PDF.
Navigate to the 'Insert' or 'Comment' tab, locate the 'Attachment' or 'Add File' tool, and click on the area where you want the file icon to appear.
Select the original PDF file from your computer to embed it actively into the new document, then save your changes.
Submit Direct Feedback to Microsoft
Because this is an inherent limitation of Microsoft Word and OneNote Desktop, reporting the issue via official channels is the only way to influence a future product update.
Seamlessly Manage and Edit PDFs with WPS Office
Tired of formatting limitations and flattened embedded files in Microsoft Word? WPS Office offers a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative with robust built-in PDF tools.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and follow the simple installation instructions.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing Word or PDF documents without losing any formatting.
- 3. Edit and Attach Easily: Switch to the dedicated PDF tab to manage attachments, edit text directly, and export complex documents effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Excel or PowerPoint files active when exporting from Word to PDF?
No. Just like embedded PDF files, Microsoft Word flattens almost all OLE objects (including embedded Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations) into static images during the PDF conversion process.
Do third-party Word-to-PDF online converters keep embedded files active?
Generally, no. Most standard online converters rely on similar rendering engines as Microsoft Word and will output flattened images. You typically need to use a dedicated PDF editor to manually attach files to the final PDF.
Why does my embedded PDF show as a low-resolution image in the exported document?
When Word exports the file, it takes a screenshot or thumbnail snapshot of the embedded object. This visual representation often has a lower resolution than the original file, causing it to appear blurry or pixelated in the final PDF.
Does this embedding issue happen in Microsoft OneNote as well?
Yes, this is a shared limitation across several Microsoft products. Exporting a OneNote Desktop page with embedded files to PDF, MHT, or HTML will also result in the attachments being converted into flat, unclickable images.
