How to Insert a PDF Into Google Docs: 3 Ways (2026)

Google Docs doesn't have a built-in "insert PDF" button, but there are three reliable workarounds depending on whether you want a clickable link, the PDF's content shown on the page, or editable text. Here's how to add a PDF to a Google Doc, and how to get clean page images for free.

Method 1: Insert a PDF as a Link

The simplest option, readers click through to open the full PDF.

1. Upload the PDF to Google Drive (New > File upload).
2. In Drive, right-click the file and choose Get link (set sharing so recipients can open it), then copy the link.
3. In your Google Doc, select where you want it, go to Insert > Link (or press Ctrl/⌘ + K), paste the link, and click Apply.

Method 2: Insert PDF Pages as Images (Best Looking)

To make the PDF's content appear on the page, add each page as an image. Google Docs can insert images, so convert the PDF pages first for a crisp result.

1. Open PDF Zone's PDF to Images tool.
2. Upload your PDF, it stays on your device, and download each page as a PNG or JPG.
3. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Image > Upload from computer and select the image.
4. Resize and position it.

This displays the PDF exactly as it looks, and it renders the same for everyone who opens the doc.

Method 3: Bring the PDF's Text Into the Doc

If you actually need to edit the PDF's content in Google Docs:

• Convert it: upload the PDF to Drive, then right-click and choose Open with > Google Docs. Google converts the text into an editable document (formatting may shift), or
• Extract the text: use PDF Zone's Extract Text tool to pull clean text and paste it into your doc.

Which Method Should You Use?

• Link to the full file: Method 1.
• Show the pages on the doc: Method 2 (images).
• Edit the content: Method 3 (convert or extract text).

Only Need Certain Pages?

If the PDF is long but only a page or two belong in the doc, trim it first with the Split PDF tool or Remove Pages, then convert just those pages to images.

Going the Other Way?

If you're trying to turn a PDF into a Google Doc rather than embed it, see our guide on converting a PDF to Google Docs for formatting tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I insert a PDF into Google Docs?

Google Docs has no direct insert-PDF button. Add it as a link (upload to Drive, then Insert > Link), as images (convert pages with PDF to Images and Insert > Image), or convert it to editable text.

How do I show a PDF's content on the page in Google Docs?

Convert the PDF pages to PNG or JPG with the PDF to Images tool, then use Insert > Image > Upload from computer in Google Docs.

Why can't I insert a PDF directly into Google Docs?

Google Docs doesn't support embedding PDF files. You have to insert a link to the file, add the pages as images, or convert the PDF into editable text.

How do I insert a PDF as a link in Google Docs?

Upload the PDF to Google Drive, right-click it and choose Get link, copy it, then in your doc use Insert > Link (Ctrl/⌘ + K) and paste the link.

How do I make a PDF editable in Google Docs?

Upload the PDF to Drive, right-click it, and choose Open with > Google Docs to convert it. Formatting may shift, so check the result, or paste clean text from the Extract Text tool.

How do I insert just one page of a PDF into a Google Doc?

Extract the page with Split PDF, convert it to an image with PDF to Images, and insert that image.

Is it safe to convert my PDF to images online?

With PDF Zone, yes, the PDF to Images tool runs in your browser and never uploads your file, so confidential documents stay private.

Which image format is best for Google Docs?

Use PNG for pages with text and sharp lines to keep them crisp; JPG is fine for photo-heavy pages and produces smaller files.

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Sources: Google Docs Editors Help, inserting PDFs.