How to insert a PDF into PowerPoint

If you have a PDF file that would enhance your PowerPoint presentation, you have a few different ways to include it in the slideshow.

Whether you want the PDF content, prefer to display it as a picture, or want a simple clickable link to it, we’ll walk you through five methods step-by-step.

{toc}

Method 1: Convert the PDF content into PowerPoint slides

If you want to convert the content of your PDF into a PowerPoint slideshow, you can do so easily with Plus AI. With this method, you can simply convert your file into a presentation, and you’ll have the content ready for the show.

1. Visit Plus AI’s free PDF to PPT converter on the web.
2. Enter your email address, choose an attractive template, and drag or upload the PDF file.

3. Select Get my presentation and within minutes, you’ll receive an email with a link to your presentation in Google Slides.

Then, just copy and download the slideshow to PowerPoint and you’re set. You can then use PowerPoint’s tools to edit and complete your slideshow.

Method 2: Insert the PDF as an object

Maybe you prefer to insert the PDF file on a slide as a clickable object. This allows you to open the entire file during your presentation to show what you need and close it when you’re through. This is handy if the PDF document includes many pages.

Before you begin, make sure that the PDF file is closed; otherwise, you’ll receive an error message when you try to insert it.

1. Select the slide, go to the Insert tab, and click Object in the Text section of the ribbon.

2. On the left of the pop-up window, mark Create from file. Then, click Browse to locate and select the file.

3. By default, the file is inserted as a shape displaying the first page of the document. If you prefer, you can insert it as a Link or Display as an icon by checking the corresponding box. Click OK to insert the file.

With the file on your slide, simply double-click to open the full document in your default PDF application.

Method 3: Insert the PDF as a picture

In a hurry to get that PDF file onto a slide? With this method, you can display the first page of the file as a picture in PowerPoint. If you like, you can then format the image like any other picture in your slideshow.

Before you begin, make sure that the PDF file is closed; otherwise, the process won’t work.

Select the slide, drag the PDF file from its location onto the slide, and release.

You can then move or resize it or use the Shape Format tab to adjust its appearance.

This works like inserting the file as an object where you can double-click to open it in your default PDF application.

Method 4: Insert the PDF as a screenshot

Similar to the above, you can capture a screenshot of the PDF file directly from PowerPoint and display it as an image. The difference here is that you’ll see the entire PDF application window by default.

Before you begin, make sure that the PDF file is open so that it displays as an available window.

1. Select the slide, go to the Insert tab, and open the Screenshot menu in the Images section of the ribbon.

2. You should see the PDF file in its application window and if you hover your cursor over it, you can see the file name to confirm. Select the file window and you’ll see it appear on the slide.

Tip: If you only want a portion of the screenshot, select Screen Clipping instead to capture the part you want.

Like earlier, you can then move or resize the screenshot, or format it using the Picture Format tab.

Method 5: Insert a link to the PDF

One more way to insert a PDF in PowerPoint worth mentioning is linking to it. With this method you can link the PDF location to specific text or a slide element for a more subtle appearance option.

1. Select the text or element on the slide you want to link to the PDF file.
2. Go to the Insert tab, open the Link menu, and choose Insert Link.

3. In the pop-up window, pick Existing File or Web Page on the left. Then, use the options to the right to locate or enter the path for the PDF file. Click OK to insert the link.

When you land on the slide during the presentation, simply click the link to open the PDF. Notice that if you hover your cursor over the link, you’ll also see the file path.

Conclusion

Adding a PDF file to your PowerPoint slideshow is useful for many situations. You may want to display a contract, report, book, article, or comparable document to enhance your presentation.

Remember that with Plus AI, you can not only transform a PDF into a presentation but use attractive templates to improve the appearance and artificial intelligence to help create engaging content.

FAQs

What file formats are supported in PowerPoint?

You can insert everything from files to images to videos and even other presentations in your PowerPoint slideshow. For a complete list of more than 25 options, check out the Microsoft Support page for PowerPoint file formats.

How do you save a PowerPoint as PDF?

To save your PowerPoint as a PDF file, go to File > Save As. Select a location on the left and then choose PDF as the file type below the name on the top right. Click Save.

How do I copy from PDF to PowerPoint?

You can copy a portion of text from a PDF document and paste it into PowerPoint easily. Open the PDF, select the text you want, and right-click to pick Copy. In PowerPoint, go to Insert > Text Box and drag to draw the box for the text. Place your cursor inside the text box and right-click to pick Paste.