How to Insert a PDF into Google Docs (3 Ways That Actually Work)

Here is the honest starting point: Google Docs cannot embed a live, scrollable PDF inside a document the way it embeds an image. But there are three reliable ways to get a PDF into your Doc, depending on what you actually need. Pick the one that fits.

Method 1: Insert a link to the PDF (best for sharing)

If readers just need to open the PDF, link to it. This keeps your Doc light and the PDF always up to date.

Step 1: Upload the PDF to Google Drive

Go to drive.google.com and upload your PDF (New > File upload).

Step 2: Get a shareable link

Right-click the PDF, choose Share, set access to "Anyone with the link," and copy the link.

Step 3: Add the link in your Doc

In Google Docs, select the text you want to turn into a link, press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Mac), paste the link, and press Enter. Readers click through to the full PDF.

Method 2: Insert the PDF as images (best for in-page viewing)

If the PDF must be visible inside the Doc, add it as images, one per page.

Step 1: Turn the PDF pages into images

Take a screenshot of each page, or use any free "PDF to JPG" tool to export the pages as images.

Step 2: Insert the images

In Google Docs, place your cursor where the PDF should appear, choose Insert > Image > Upload from computer, and add each page image in order. Resize as needed.

This shows the content directly in the document, though the pages are not selectable or searchable.

Method 3: Convert the PDF to editable text (best for reusing the content)

If you want to edit or repurpose what is in the PDF, convert it to an editable Google Doc instead of inserting it. Upload the PDF to Drive, right-click it, and choose Open with > Google Docs. Full walkthrough here: How to convert a PDF to a Google Doc.

Which method should you use?

• Just need readers to access it? Use Method 1 (link).
• Need it visible in the page? Use Method 2 (images).
• Need to edit or publish the content? Use Method 3 (convert).

Turning your Doc into something you can publish

Once your content lives in a Google Doc, getting it online is the next step. Docswrite publishes any Google Doc to WordPress (and Webflow, Contentful, Shopify, and more) in one click, with formatting, images, and SEO preserved. See how to publish Google Docs to WordPress, or grab a clean export with the free Google Docs to PDF converter.