How to Insert PDF into Excel

Inserting a PDF file into an Excel worksheet might seem like a daunting task, but it can be achieved easily with a few simple steps. This could be particularly useful when you need to provide additional supporting information to your data, whether for personal or work purposes. In this post, I will guide you on the exact steps to take to insert PDF into Excel. These steps are simple to follow, and you will be able to do it in a matter of minutes.

1. Converting the PDF file to an image format

Before inserting a PDF file into an Excel worksheet, you need to first convert it to an image format. This is because Excel does not support PDF files natively. There are several free and paid software that you can use to convert PDF files to image formats. Some of the popular ones include Adobe Acrobat, Zamzar, and Smallpdf.

Once you have converted the PDF file to an image format, save it to a location on your computer where you can easily find it.

2. Inserting the image into Excel

After converting the PDF file to an image format, the next step is to insert it into Excel. To do this, follow these steps:

i. Open the Excel worksheet where you want to insert the PDF file.

ii. Click on the ‘Insert’ tab on the ribbon menu, then select ‘Pictures’.

iii. Browse to the location where you saved the image file and select it.

iv. Click on the ‘Insert’ button to insert the image into the worksheet.

3. Adjusting the image size and position

Once you have inserted the image into the Excel worksheet, you may need to adjust its size and position to fit your data. To do this, follow these steps:

i. Click on the image to select it.

ii. On the ‘Picture Tools’ tab, click on the ‘Format’ tab.

iii. To adjust the size of the image, drag the sizing handles at the corners of the image until it is the size you want. Alternatively, you can enter the exact dimensions in the ‘Height’ and ‘Width’ boxes under the ‘Size’ section of the ‘Format’ tab.

iv. To adjust the position of the image, drag it to the desired location within the worksheet.

4. Converting the image back to PDF format

If you need to convert the image back to PDF format after inserting it into Excel, you can do so using any of the software mentioned in step 1. Simply open the image file in the software and select the ‘Export as PDF’ or ‘Save as PDF’ option.

Using the steps outlined above, inserting a PDF file into an Excel worksheet is an easy process. Remember to always convert the PDF file to an image format before inserting it into Excel, and adjust the size and position of the image to fit your data. With these tips, you can now include PDF files in your Excel worksheets without hassle.

Tips for a successful insert

Inserting a PDF into Excel can be straightforward when following the above steps. However, there are a few tips that can help make the process even smoother.

Ensure the PDF is not password-protected

If the PDF file is password-protected, you may not be able to convert it to an image format, and hence cannot insert it into Excel. If the PDF file is password-protected, you can remove the password using any of the free or paid software available online.

Check the image resolution

When converting the PDF file to an image format, ensure that the resolution is high enough to display the content clearly in Excel. A resolution of 300 dpi or more is recommended.

Consider the size of the PDF file

If the PDF file is large, the resulting image file may also be large, which can make the Excel worksheet sluggish. It is recommended to optimize the PDF file before converting it to an image format. This can be done using any of the software available online.

Inserting a PDF file into an Excel worksheet can seem like a challenging task. However, with the right steps, it can be done with ease. Follow the steps provided in this post to insert a PDF into Excel, and remember to consider the tips provided for a successful insert. With this knowledge, you can now integrate PDF files into your Excel worksheets smoothly and efficiently.

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about inserting PDF files into Excel:

Can I insert a multipage PDF into Excel?

Unfortunately, Excel does not support the insertion of multipage PDF files. You can, however, convert each page of the PDF file into an image format using any of the software available online, and insert them into separate Excel worksheets.

Why do I need to convert the PDF file to an image format before inserting it into Excel?

Excel does not support PDF files natively. Converting the PDF file to an image format allows Excel to display the content of the PDF file as an image in the worksheet.

Can I edit the content of the PDF file after inserting it into Excel?

No. Once you have inserted the PDF file as an image into Excel, you cannot edit its content. You may need to edit the content in the original PDF file, and then re-insert the updated image into Excel.

What image format should I save the PDF file as?

The recommended image formats to save PDF files as are JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. These formats provide good image quality and are supported by Excel.

I’m having trouble inserting the image into Excel. What should I do?

If you are having trouble inserting the image into Excel, ensure that the image file is not corrupted, and that it is saved in a supported image format. Additionally, you can try restarting Excel and your computer, and then try the insertion process again.