You can place a Word document inside an Excel workbook as an object. It shows either as a preview of the first page or as a clickable icon, and double-clicking it opens the document for editing. The Object command is in the desktop version of Excel; Excel for the web can’t insert one.
Steps
- In Excel, select the worksheet location where the document object should appear.
- Open Insert > Text > Object, if the desktop Excel version provides that command.
- Choose Create from File and browse to the Word document.
- Choose whether to display it as an icon and whether to link to the source file instead of embedding it.
- Insert it, save the workbook, and test opening the object on another computer if the workbook will be shared.
Options in the Object dialog
| Option | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Create from File | Puts an existing Word file into the sheet | The document already exists |
| Create New > Microsoft Word Document | Opens a blank Word document inside the workbook | You want to write notes that live only in this workbook |
| Link to file | Shows the file’s content but keeps it in its original location | The Word file changes often and you want Excel to show updates |
| Display as icon | Shows a small Word icon instead of the first page | You want to save space on the sheet. Use Change Icon to edit the label. |
Edit, resize, or remove the embedded document
- Edit: Double-click the object. The document opens for editing; click outside it (or close Word) to return to Excel.
- Resize: Click once, then drag a corner handle. Drag a corner rather than an edge to avoid stretching it.
- Remove: Click once and press Delete.
How it works
Embedding stores an object inside the workbook and can increase file size. Linking keeps a reference to an external file, so the link can break when the workbook or document moves.
What to watch for
Embedded Office objects may not work the same in Excel for the web, mobile apps, or non-Microsoft spreadsheet software. For broad compatibility, consider attaching/distributing the Word file separately or converting relevant content to a worksheet/PDF.
Additional details
An embedded Word object can make the workbook much larger, especially when several documents are inserted. If recipients only need to read the content, a hyperlink to a controlled shared document can be easier to update. A link, however, requires recipients to retain access to the referenced location.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the object show only part of my document?
A preview shows the first page only. Double-click it to read the rest, or choose Display as icon so readers know to open it.
Can I embed a PDF the same way?
Yes. In Create from File, browse to the PDF instead. It opens in the default PDF reader when double-clicked.
Why did my workbook get so big?
Embedded documents are stored inside the workbook, images and all. Linking or using a hyperlink keeps the file small. In Excel you can also add a hyperlink to a picture that opens the document.
How do I do the reverse and put Excel data in Word?
See how to insert an Excel table into Word and make it fit.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.