By PDFKits Team — Published July 2, 2026
Learning how to embed pdf in excel lets you keep a source document right inside your spreadsheet, so reviewers can open the reference without hunting for a separate file. This guide walks through the object-insert method, a linked-icon option, and a lightweight image alternative.
If you only need a visual, export the first page with PDF to PNG, insert the image, and add a hyperlink to the full file. This keeps the workbook small.
| Method | File size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded object | Larger | Self-contained workbook |
| Image + link | Smaller | Shared/online sheets |
Embedded objects increase file size and may not open on every platform, and they generally do not display in Google Sheets. For cloud spreadsheets, the image-plus-link approach is more reliable. If you need the reverse, you can also convert Excel to PDF or PDF to Excel.
Does the embedded PDF stay editable? No, it is stored as an object you open, not editable in the cell.
Will it work in Google Sheets? Embedded objects usually do not; use an image and link instead.
How do I keep the file small? Insert a page image rather than the whole PDF.
To embed a PDF in Excel, use Insert > Object > Create from File, or insert a page preview from PDF to PNG with a link for a lighter workbook. Pick the method that fits how you will share the file.