How to Insert a Pdf Into Google Docs

There can be many different reasons why you’d need to insert a PDF into a Google Doc. Perhaps you are sending a report to a coworker and the PDF supports whatever you’re talking about. Maybe you’re putting together an essay for school and the information in the PDF supports your claim.

No matter the reason, you may find yourself asking how to insert a PDF into Google Docs. We have the answer, but before we get into the steps, be aware that there are several different ways to achieve your goal. We’ll walk you through the steps of each, and you can decide which option you prefer.

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PDFs Are a Popular File Format

PDFs are an incredibly popular file format because they offer security and can be opened on a variety of different devices. They can be full of useful information, and if you want to share that data with others, then inserting it into a Google Doc with an explanation in your own words is an easy way to do that.

How to Insert a PDF into Google Docs

When learning how to insert a PDF into Google Docs, there are several different ways you can achieve your goal. We’ll walk you through the steps for the different options, and you can decide which one works best for you.

The first option is to convert the PDF into a jpeg to insert it into your document, and here’s how you’ll achieve that:

Step 1: Download the PDF

If the PDF document is stored in your Google Drive or anywhere else besides the local files on your computer, you’ll need to download it and place it in a folder where it’s easy to find.

Step 2: Open an Online Browser

The next step when wondering how to add a PDF to a Google Doc is to open a browser window on your computer. You can use whichever one you feel most comfortable with.

Step 3: Search for a PDF to JPG Converter

After opening a browser, you’ll then need to do a search for an online PDF to jpeg converter. There are many free options to choose from, so find the one that works best for you.

Click on the link for the option you choose, then follow the instructions to upload the PDF and convert it to a jpeg.

Step 4: Save the New File

Once the PDF has been converted, you’ll then want to save the jpeg to a folder on your computer. You might consider placing it in the same location where you saved the PDF file.

Step 5: Open Google Drive

When learning how to insert a PDF into Google Docs, after you have converted the PDF into a jpeg, you’ll then want to go back to your online browser and open your Google Drive.

You may have to enter your username and password to gain access to your documents.

Step 6: Open a Google Doc

After gaining access to your Google Drive account, you’ll then need to decide which document to add the PDF/jpeg to.

If you are creating a new document, then you’ll click the New button and choose “Google Docs” from the list of options.

If you are inserting it into a document that already exists, you’ll choose it from the list of files in your drive.

Step 7: Insert the Photo

At the top of the Google Doc, in the toolbar, look for and click on Insert.

When the drop-down menu appears, choose “Image” from the list of options, then choose “Upload from computer.”

Find the folder that you saved the jpeg to and double-click on the file.

The converted PDF will now appear in your Google Doc.

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HTML Is Necessary When Embedding PDFs

It’s possible to embed a PDF into a Google Doc or Sheet but to do this, you’ll need to use HTML. The PDF will also need to be stored on your drive. Even without much knowledge of coding, you should still be able to complete the embed steps without too much stress.

How to Import a PDF into Google Docs

In addition to learning how to insert a PDF into Google Docs by converting it to a jpeg, you may also be able to learn how to import a PDF into Google Docs and Sheets using HTML code.

This option might be a little trickier than the others on the list, but you can give it try if you’re feeling up to the challenge. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Step 1: Find the PDF in Your Drive

For this process to work, the PDF has to be stored in your Google Drive.

Find the file you’re looking for and double-click on it.

Step 2: Open the File in a New Window

Once the PDF has been opened on your screen, look for and click on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Choose “Open in a new window.”

Step 3: Choose the Embed Option

After clicking on “Open in a new window,” the PDF will appear in a new tab. Once again, you’ll want to click on the three dots in the right-hand corner.

Click “Embed item.”

Step 4: Copy the HTML Code

A new menu will open and in the dialogue box in the middle, you’ll see an HTML code. Highlight this and copy it.

Step 5: Insert the HTML Code

Once the code has been copied, you’ll then go to the Google Doc you want to add the PDF to. Open the HTML Editor, paste the code and then update and save.

The PDF should now be included in the document.

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Links Make PDFs Secondary

If you are wondering how to insert a PDF into Google Docs, this is probably because the PDF is one of the main bits of information you need to share with others. However, if the PDF is secondary or supplemental, then adding a link to the document might be in your best interest.

How to Link PDF to Google Doc

Instead of asking how to insert a PDF into Google Docs, another option you might consider is to link PDF to Google Doc. This is useful when you don’t want the PDF to be the main part of your document, but you still need to share it with others.

Here are the steps you’ll undertake to link PDF to Google Doc:

Step 1: Find the PDF

Again, for this process to work, the PDF needs to be saved in your Google Drive.

Find the PDF you want to link in your document and right-click on it.

Step 2: Get the Link

A window with a list of options will appear, and from the choices, you’ll want to click on “Get link.”

Step 3: Change the Permissions

Yet another menu box will appear, and from here, you’ll want to change the permissions.

If you want to limit who can click on and view the PDF, then you’ll choose the “Restricted” option. You’ll then need to add the names of the people who have permission to the list.

Should you decide that anyone with the link can have access to the PDF, then you’ll click on the down arrow in the dialogue box and choose “Anyone with the link.”

Step 4: Copy the Link and Click Done

Once the permissions have been changed, you’ll then click the “Copy link” text next to the box with the link address.

You should receive confirmation that the link has been copied, and then you will click the “Done” button at the bottom of the box.

Step 5: Insert the Link into Your Google Doc

When wondering how to insert a PDF into Google Docs using a link, you’ll then need to open a Google Doc.

If you are creating a new document, then click the New button in your Google Drive. If you are adding the information to a document that already exists, find it in your list of files and double-click on it.

You have two options at this point:

You can enter the link directly into the document
You can add the link to some text

If you are going to include the direct link, place your cursor in the location in the document where you want the information to appear, then right-click and choose Paste.

Depending on how your computer is set up, you may need to click “Ctrl+V” to paste the link.

Should you decide to add the link to some text within the document, here’s what you need to do:

Using your cursor, highlight the text you want to add the link to
Click on the link option in the toolbar at the top of the page – it looks like a few links from a chain
You can also right-click on the text and bring up a menu where you can click on the “Link” option
Paste the link address into the dialogue box

You’ll know you’ve been successful in adding the link to the text because it will turn blue and be underlined.

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Secure All of Your Information

Not only can you learn how to add a PDF to a Google Doc, but if you want to keep all of the information safe and secure, you can convert your Google Doc into a PDF. You can also combine everything into one file, making it easier for your recipient to open and read what you have to say.

Adding as Much Information as Necessary

No matter what type of document you are putting together, whether it is a business report or an essay for school, making sure your reader has all of the information necessary may require adding a PDF.

Many people prefer using this file type because of the security and ability for these items to be opened on a variety of different devices — and they can enhance your document.

If you are wondering how to insert a PDF into Google Docs, these steps will help you achieve your goal: