Why Import a PDF into PowerPoint?

Learning to insert a PDF into PowerPoint is a handy skill that you can use for both work and home projects. Some of the benefits include:

  • Privacy.  When you’re midway through presenting, the last thing you want is to have to leave your PowerPoint to find the PDF file you want to share. You don’t want all your files on display as you navigate different folders. By adding your PDF into your PowerPoint, you can avoid a clunky transition and maintain your privacy.
  • Convenience.  It’s much quicker to embed a PDF in PowerPoint than having to minimise your PowerPoint to find the file you need. It looks a lot more professional when you can embed it into one slide.
  • Everything in one place.  By inserting a PDF into your PowerPoint presentation, you can send just one document, instead of sending a deck with lots of extra attachments.

How to Insert a PDF into PowerPoint.

There are three different ways you can import a PDF into PowerPoint.

  1. Insert the PDF as an object.
  2. Insert the PDF as a picture or image.
  3. Convert your PDF to a PowerPoint.

Take a closer look at each option below.

Option 1: Embed your PDF into PowerPoint as an object.

This method is best when you need to use the information inside your PDF as supporting documents for your presentation. You’ll need to make sure the content inside your PDF file is finalised, as you won’t be able to edit the document once it’s imported into the PowerPoint presentation.

If you later decide you want to edit the PDF, you will need to remove it from your PowerPoint presentation before opening the original PDF file.

Ready to embed your PDF as an object? Let’s get started.

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation and navigate to the slide where you want to embed your PDF.

2. Select  Insert  from the menu bar, then click  Object on the right. Once you import the PDF into PowerPoint, you will be able to access that PDF at a specific point in the presentation.

A screenshot of a PowerPoint presentation slide. A red arrow points to the Insert button in the menu bar.
A screenshot of a PowerPoint presentation slide. A red arrow points to the Object button in the ribbon.
3. When you click  Object, a dialogue box will appear. Select the option that says  Create from File  on the left.
A screenshot of a dialogue box. A red arrow points to a “Create from file” button to the left.

4. Once selected, click the  Browse  button under the file name box. Then find the PDF file you want to import.

5. Click the file and select the OK button to embed your PDF into PowerPoint as an object.

A screenshot of a dialogue box showing a PDF file name. The ‘OK’ button is highlighted blue.

Option 2: Insert your PDF into PowerPoint as an image.

Similarly, you can insert a PDF into PowerPoint as an image. This is useful for viewing the content of just one page of a PDF.

Here’s how:

  1. Open PowerPoint and navigate to the slide that you want to insert the PDF into.
  2. Select  Insert  from the menu bar, then click  Pictures in the ribbon underneath. The dropdown menu lets you choose an image from your device, stock images, or online. In this instance, select This Device and a dialogue box will appear.
  3. Locate the file of your single PDF page. You might need to convert it from PDF to JPG first.
  4. You have the option to insert the PDF to PowerPoint as a single image, as a link, or both.
  5. Once you’ve chosen your preference, select Insert. The PDF image will appear in the slide.

You can also insert a portion of a PDF file rather than the page itself. Make sure your PDF file is open, then access your PowerPoint slide. Select Insert > Screenshot > Screen Clipping. Clip your chosen page and it will automatically insert the PDF into your PowerPoint slide.

Option 3: Use the PDF to PPT converter to import your PDF into PowerPoint.

In some cases, you might want to add your PDF to PowerPoint as complete slides. This is simple with the PDF to PPT converter tool.

1. Access Acrobat online and navigate to the PDF to PowerPoint converter.

2. Drag and drop your PDF into the box. If you click Select a file instead, a dialogue box will appear. Locate your file and select Open.

3. Once converted, you can download the file to open on PowerPoint, or select Edit in PPT.

FAQs.

Can I turn the entire PDF contents into a PowerPoint presentation?

Yes. This is when you would use the PDF to PPT converter tool to export the PDF file into a PowerPoint file.

Can I edit a PDF from the PowerPoint?

Once you insert your PDF into PowerPoint, you will not be able make edits. Instead, you will need to edit the PDF separately, then reattach it to your PowerPoint presentation. Ensure you set the right permissions to edit the PDF, which you can find in the document settings.

You’ll also need an Adobe Acrobat subscription.

Why is my PDF not opening in PowerPoint?

If you embed a PDF into PowerPoint and it doesn’t open, it’s most likely due to the permissions set by PowerPoint. To fix this, select the PDF object in PowerPoint and got to the Insert tab. From here select Action > Object Action > Activate Contents.

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