How to Insert PDFs into Microsoft Word Documents (PC & Mac)

Main ideas / concepts

• Purpose: Insert a PDF into Microsoft Word so that the PDF’s text and images become editable within the Word document.

Important limitations (before starting)

• The inserted PDF does not stay connected to the original PDF (no ongoing link/update).
• Formatting may change after conversion into Word.
• Interactive elements (e.g., form fields/buttons) will not be inserted.

Method / step-by-step instructions (PC & Mac)

Prepare

• Use Word for Microsoft 365 (the same steps work for Word 2013+ and are nearly identical on PC and Mac).

Insert the PDF

1. Place the cursor in the Word document where you want the PDF inserted.
2. Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
3. Click the Object menu arrow in the Text group.
4. Choose Text from File from the dropdown menu.
5. In the Insert File dialog box:
   • Select the PDF.
   • If you don’t see the PDF on PC:
     • Select All Files in the menu above the Insert button.
   • If the file is grayed out on Mac:
     • Select Options
     • Then enable All Files in the Enable menu.
6. Click Insert.

Conversion confirmation

• A dialog box explains the PDF will be converted to a Word document.
  • On PC: click OK.
  • On Mac: no button selection is needed (the dialog appears without an action requirement).

After insertion

• The PDF contents should appear in the document.
• You can edit the text and images like normal Word content.
• Save your file to keep changes.

Additional resources / references mentioned

• Other Microsoft Word tutorials by the same creator:
  • “How to Insert Headers & Footers on Specific Pages in Microsoft Word”
  • “How to Save Tables & Figures as Images in Microsoft Word”
• Playlists mentioned:
  • “How to Use Microsoft Word”
  • “How to Use Word for Mac”
• Steps (with images) are also listed at erinwrightwriting.com.

Speakers / sources featured

• Erin Wright (host / instructor)