How to Insert a PDF into Microsoft PowerPoint

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Inserting a PDF file into a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation can be useful for displaying important documents, data, images or other file contents during a slideshow. There are a few easy ways to embed a PDF, either fully or partially, using PowerPoint’s built-in tools.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:

  • The benefits of inserting PDFs into PowerPoint
  • 3 methods to embed a PDF file into PowerPoint slides
  • How to add PDF content as an editable object
  • Tips for customizing the PDF content in your presentation

Follow these simple PDF to PowerPoint insertion instructions to seamlessly integrate PDF documents into your next presentation.

Benefits of Inserting PDFs into Microsoft PowerPoint

Adding PDF files to your PowerPoint presentation provides multiple advantages:

  • Display supplemental information easily during a slideshow without having to switch between programs or minimize windows
  • Embed relevant images, data tables, text from published papers or other documents directly on slides
  • Launch the full PDF with a simple click for additional reference without leaving the presentation
  • Maintain a smoother presentation workflow compared to having multiple files and programs open
  • Retain original PDF formatting instead of just inserting pictures or screenshots

By directly integrating PDF content into your slides, audiences can view supporting documents without disrupting the flow of your presentation.

Method 1: Insert a PDF as a PowerPoint Object

The easiest way to insert a full PDF page into a PowerPoint slide is to add it as an embedded object. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the PowerPoint presentation and select the slide you want to add the PDF file to.
  2. Click Insert > Object on the top menu bar.
  3. In the Insert Object box, select Create from File.
  4. Click Browse to locate and select the PDF file from your computer or network drives.
  5. Click OK to insert the file.

This embeds the PDF as an object into the slide. You’ll see the first page thumbnail and can double-click the object anytime to open the full PDF document.

Method 2: Insert a PDF as a Clickable Link

Another option is to insert a hyperlink that opens the PDF file. Here’s how:

  1. On the PowerPoint slide, insert a text box or shape where you want the link to appear.
  2. Type the text for the link, such as “See PDF Report”.
  3. Select the text box and click Insert > Link on the top menu.
  4. In the Insert Hyperlink box, choose Existing File or Web Page under Link To.
  5. Locate and select your PDF file then click OK to apply the link.

The text you typed will now be clickable during the PowerPoint slideshow and open the linked PDF file when clicked.

Method 3: Insert Part of a PDF Using Screen Clipping

If you only need to display a portion of the PDF contents, you can take a screenshot of the selected area and embed that image into your presentation.

Here is how to clip a section of a PDF to insert into PowerPoint:

  1. Open the PDF file and navigate to the page or section you want to capture as a picture.
  2. Ensure the area you want is visible on screen and not minimized.
  3. Switch to PowerPoint, go to the slide you want to insert the image on, and click Insert > Screenshot > Screen Clipping.
  4. The screen will dim and your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click-and-drag around the area of the PDF you want to copy.
  5. When you release, the selected region will appear on your slide as an editable picture.

With the screenshot inserted, you can crop, resize, or format it like any other image in PowerPoint.

Tips for Customizing Inserted PDF Content

Once your PDF content is embedded into the presentation, there are additional options for customizing the appearance, layout, and functionality:

  • Resize or crop the inserted object or image to focus on key areas
  • Copy/paste select text and data into separate text boxes or PowerPoint tables
  • Add highlights, arrows, text boxes and other annotations over PDF content
  • Launch the PDF file in slideshow mode by adding an action to the object
  • Create multiple slides from different pages or sections of the same PDF file
  • Update the original PDF file independently without affecting the presentation slides

Integrating PDF documents directly into your PowerPoint slides helps engage your audience with supporting content without disrupting the flow of your presentation. With a few simple clicks, start enhancing your next PowerPoint deck with complementary PDF files.

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