How to Insert a PDF into Google Docs [Easy Guide]

Google Docs is a powerful tool not only for editing text-based content but also for opening and editing PDF files. If you want to reference a PDF for your current project, you can easily insert it into a Google Doc. In this article, we will explore different methods of inserting PDFs into Google Docs, editing them, attaching them to other files, and troubleshooting common issues.

How to Embed a PDF in Google Docs

While there is no direct way to embed PDFs into an existing Google Docs file, you can convert the PDF pages into images before uploading them. To do this, you can use popular conversion tools like Adobe Acrobat or Small PDF. Once you have converted the pages into images, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your Google Docs workspace.
2. Click on “Insert” > “Image”.
3. Select the source where you saved the converted images, such as “Upload from computer”.
4. Choose the images you want to insert and proceed with the upload process.

Please note that embedding the PDF in this way means that you won’t be able to scroll through it anymore, as each page is inserted as a photo. Additionally, you won’t be able to edit the PDF itself, but you can make image adjustments like cropping and color changes.

How to Insert a PDF into Google Docs as Editable Content

Google Docs also offers a feature that allows you to convert your PDF into an editable version without using third-party tools. Follow these steps to access this feature:

1. Go to Google Drive.
2. Click on “New”.
3. Select “File Upload” and choose your PDF file.
4. After uploading, right-click on the PDF file and select “Open with” > “Google Docs”.
5. You will be redirected to a new tab displaying your editable document.

Please note that the converted file may not retain the exact formatting, especially if it contains complex elements. It is advisable to use this method mainly for documents that include photos and multimedia elements. For purely text-based documents, there shouldn’t be any issues.

To save the file as a PDF, go to “File” > “Download” > “PDF Document (.pdf)”.

How to Attach a PDF to a Google Doc

Besides embedding PDF pages as images or generating an editable copy, you can also attach PDFs to an existing Google Doc. This allows your readers to access the PDF as a separate file. There are two ways to achieve this:

Including a Share Link

1. Upload your PDF to Google Drive.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Share”.
3. In the dialog box, change the viewing permissions to “Anyone with the link”.
4. Click the “Copy link” button to get the share link.
5. Go to your current Google Doc and paste the link.
6. Google Docs may offer to turn the document link into a clickable chip.

Merging Your PDFs With Your Current Google Doc

For this method, you need to download your Google Doc as a PDF first. Follow these steps:

1. Click on “File” > “Download” > “PDF Document (.pdf)”.
2. Use a PDF merging tool, such as Adobe Acrobat Merge PDF tool.
3. Upload both the PDF you want to attach and your downloaded Google Doc.
4. Rearrange the sequence of the PDF files if necessary.
5. Click on “Merge” to start the process.
6. Once the merging is complete, you can preview and download the merged PDF file.

Common Issues When Uploading PDFs to Google Docs

While Google Docs is a great tool, you may encounter some problems when uploading PDF files. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

1. Full Google Drive storage: Delete old and irrelevant files to free up space or consider purchasing more storage.
2. Large PDF file size: Split large files into smaller documents or compress the PDF.
3. Connectivity issues: Disconnect other devices and ensure a stable connection.
4. Security restrictions: Unlock the PDF using a third-party tool or use an unrestricted version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I attach a PDF file to a Google Doc?

A: Yes, you can attach PDFs to your Google Doc in several ways. You can paste the share link of your PDF file into your current document or use a dedicated PDF editing software to convert the pages into images before inserting them into Google Docs.

Q: How can I insert a PDF into Google Docs without losing formatting?

A: When inserting a PDF into Google Docs, images and other elements may not retain their original formatting. To preserve the formatting, ensure that the PDF is purely text-based or use a third-party PDF to DOC converter.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to insert a PDF into Google Docs can be extremely useful for quick edits and referencing in your projects. By inserting a share link, converting pages to images, or merging PDF files, you can easily incorporate PDFs into your Google Docs. Experiment with these methods and discover which one works best for your needs.

Mr Reviews