How to Insert a PDF into Word
Learn the easiest ways to place a PDF inside Word as an embedded file, a live link, an image, or without conversion—plus how WPS Office can turn PDF content into an editable Word document when you need more control.
Part 1
Insert a PDF as an embedded object
This is the traditional method inside Word. It attaches the PDF directly to your document so it appears as an embedded file.
Open your Word file and go to Insert
Open the document where you want the PDF to appear, then head to the Insert tab in the top menu.
Open the Object menu
Find the Object option in Word and open its dropdown menu to access file insertion choices.
Insert text from a file and choose the PDF
Select Insert Text from a File, browse to your PDF, and attach it. Word will place it into the document as an embedded PDF file by default.
Part 2
Insert a PDF as a linked object
Linking keeps the PDF connected to its original file. It is useful when the source PDF may change and you want the Word reference to stay current.
Best for updates
Use this method when the original PDF may be revised later.
Dynamic reference
The PDF remains tied to the original source instead of becoming a static copy.
Optional icon view
You can show the linked PDF as an icon for a cleaner document layout.
Place your cursor where the PDF link should appear
Launch the Word document and move to the exact location where you want to insert the linked PDF object.
Open the Insert tab
Go to the Insert tab in the Word ribbon at the top of the window.
Choose Object from the Text group
Inside the Text group, click Object to open the Object dialog box.
Pick Create from File and browse to your PDF
Choose Create from File, then click Browse to locate the PDF you want to link.
Enable Link to File
Check the Link to File box so the PDF stays dynamically linked to the original source file.
Choose Display as icon if needed
Turn on Display as icon if you prefer a compact icon instead of a larger embedded preview.
Click OK to insert the linked PDF
Confirm your settings by selecting OK. Word will place the linked PDF into the document.
Open the linked PDF from Word
Click the inserted icon whenever you need the file. Word will open the PDF with your default PDF viewer for quick access.
Part 3
Insert a PDF page as an image
If you want a visual result instead of an attached file, convert the PDF page to an image first and then place it in Word.
Convert the PDF page to PNG or JPEG
Start by converting the exact PDF page you want to use into an image format such as PNG or JPEG.
Move to the spot where the image should go
Open your Word document and place the cursor where you want the PDF image to appear.
Open the Insert tab
Go to the Insert tab in the Word ribbon to access image tools.
Choose Picture from Illustrations
Inside the Illustrations group, click Picture to insert the converted image file.
Browse to the converted image
Locate the PNG or JPEG version of the PDF page on your computer and select it.
Click Insert to place the image
Confirm with Insert and Word will embed the PDF image into the document.
Resize and position the image
Adjust the size and placement so the inserted page fits your layout cleanly.
Add alt text for accessibility
Consider adding a clear alt text description so the inserted image remains accessible.
Save the document
Save your Word file to keep the inserted PDF image in place.
Part 4
Insert a PDF without converting it
This method keeps the PDF in its original form while placing it into Word. It is useful when you want fidelity without turning the file into an image or editable text.
Place the cursor in your Word document
Open the file and move to the exact spot where the PDF content should be inserted.
Open the Insert tab
Go to Insert in the Word ribbon to access object insertion tools.
Click Object in the Text group
Choose Object to open the dialog where you can insert the PDF directly.
Choose Create from File
In the Object dialog box, open the Create from File tab.
Browse and select the PDF file
Click Browse and choose the PDF you want to insert into the Word document.
Leave Link to File unchecked
Make sure Link to File is not selected so the PDF is embedded instead of dynamically linked.
Use Display as icon if you want a cleaner look
Optionally check Display as icon to show the inserted PDF as a simple icon.
Click OK to embed the PDF
Confirm your choices and Word will insert the PDF content without converting it first.
Part 5
Use WPS to convert PDF to Word
When you need to edit PDF content instead of only inserting it, WPS Office provides a direct PDF-to-Word workflow inside its suite.
Download and install WPS Office
Install the WPS Office suite on your computer before starting the conversion process.
Open WPS Writer and go to Cloud > PDF to Word
Inside WPS Writer, navigate to Cloud > PDF to Word to launch the conversion tool.
Add your PDF to the converter
Drag and drop the PDF into the WPS PDF to Word Converter, or open it from local storage.
Choose file type, destination, and start
Select the output type and save location, then press Start to generate an editable Word file.
Quick method comparison
Choose the approach that matches whether you need a static insert, a live link, a visual element, or editable content.
| Method | Best use | Result in Word |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded object | Attach the PDF directly | Static embedded file |
| Linked object | Reference a source PDF that may change | Dynamic link to original file |
| Image | Show a PDF page visually | Inserted PNG or JPEG |
| WPS PDF to Word | Edit PDF content in Word format | Editable Word document |
Why WPS Office stands out
WPS Office is positioned as a practical alternative for document work, especially when you need Word compatibility and built-in PDF tools in one suite.
Affordable value
WPS Office offers strong value at an affordable price, making it a budget-friendly choice without giving up core features.
Microsoft Word compatibility
It works smoothly with Microsoft Word files, which helps collaboration and reduces friction when switching between tools.
All-in-one features
You get word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDF editing in one integrated suite.
Easy to learn
Its interface is designed to be user-friendly, so both new and experienced users can work comfortably.
What you can do inside WPS
- Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, with no ads.
- Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.
- Work in a Microsoft-like interface that is easy to learn and 100% compatible.
- Boost productivity with abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.
FAQs about inserting a PDF in Word
These quick answers cover the most common reasons PDF insertion or PDF-to-Word editing does not work as expected.
The easiest path depends on what you need from the PDF
If you only need to attach or reference a PDF, Word’s embedded and linked object tools work well. If you need editable content, WPS Office gives you a practical way to convert PDFs into Word files while keeping your workflow simple and efficient.
Need editable PDF content in Word?
Use WPS Office to convert PDF files into editable Word documents, work with familiar tools, and handle documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs in one place.
