How to insert a PDF into a Word document in 2 ways

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• You can insert a PDF into Word via the File, Open menu, which turns the PDF into an editable Word document.
• You can also insert a PDF as a non-editable image in a Word file using the Object command in the Insert ribbon.
• You can link the Word document to the original PDF so changes to the PDF are reflected in Word.

One of the reasons that Microsoft Word remains a popular productivity tool despite alternatives like Google Docs is because it's compatible with many file formats — you can insert images, spreadsheets, clip art, and PDF files into your documents.

Depending on your needs, there are two ways to include a PDF in a Word doc: You can insert it as an object, like an image, or you can open the PDF in the document, so Word imports it as editable text.

How to insert an editable PDF into a Word document

The easiest way to get a PDF into your Word document is to open it using the File menu. Word will convert the PDF into Word format, so the PDF can be edited along with any other text or images in the document.

To do that, start Word and choose File, then Open. Locate the PDF and select it. Word will automatically import it into the document, and it will now be fully editable like the rest of the document.

How to insert a PDF into a Word document as on object

If you'd prefer the PDF not be editable, you can insert it as an object.

1. Start Word and then click Insert in the menu bar.

2. In the Text section, click Object.

3. In the Object dialog box, click Create from File.

4. Click Browse… and then click OK.

This will insert the current version of the PDF into the document. If the content of the PDF changes and you want the latest version of the file to appear in Word, be sure that Link to file is checked before you click OK.

Quick tip: You need to make sure Adobe Reader is installed on your computer in order for a full, readable version of the PDF to appear in the doc. Without Reader, only an icon will appear and you need to double-click the icon to see the PDF document.

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.