Inserting a PDF into Google Sheets is a straightforward process that involves uploading the PDF to your Google Drive, making it accessible from Google Sheets, and then using a simple formula to display the PDF in your spreadsheet. It’s a handy trick to keep all your documents and data organized and accessible in one place.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Insert PDF into Google Sheets
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re going to achieve. By the end of this tutorial, you will have embedded a PDF into a cell in your Google Sheets document, making it viewable and accessible directly from the spreadsheet.
Step 1: Upload your PDF to Google Drive
First, you need to get your PDF on Google Drive. If it’s already there, great! If not, upload it now.
Uploading your PDF to Google Drive is essential because Google Sheets can only reference files that are in Google Drive. Make sure that you remember which folder you upload your PDF to, as you’ll need to navigate to it later.
Step 2: Get the shareable link of the PDF
Once your PDF is in Google Drive, right-click on it and choose "Get shareable link."
The shareable link is necessary for embedding the PDF into Google Sheets. Ensure the sharing settings are adjusted so that anyone with the link can view the PDF, or it won’t be visible in your spreadsheet.
Step 3: Open your Google Sheets document
Now, head over to Google Sheets and open the document where you want to insert the PDF.
Make sure you’re working in the correct Google Sheets document. If you’re working with multiple sheets, double-check that you’ve opened the one you intend to insert the PDF into.
Step 4: Choose the cell you want to insert the PDF into
Click on the cell where you want the PDF to appear.
The cell you choose will be the one that displays the PDF. You can resize the cell later if you need to make the PDF bigger or smaller.
Step 5: Use the IMAGE function to insert the PDF
Type =IMAGE("URL") into the cell, replacing "URL" with the shareable link of your PDF.
The IMAGE function is usually used for images, but it works for PDFs as well. When you hit enter, the first page of the PDF should appear within the cell.
After completing these steps, the first page of your PDF should now be visible in your chosen cell on Google Sheets. If you want to view the entire PDF, you’ll need to click on the cell and then click on the link in the formula bar to open it in a new tab.
Tips: How to Insert PDF into Google Sheets
- Make sure your PDF is set to ‘Anyone with the link can view’ before inserting it into Google Sheets.
- If the PDF doesn’t show up, double-check that you’ve entered the correct URL in the IMAGE function.
- Remember that only the first page of the PDF will be displayed in the cell.
- To display a different page from the PDF, you’ll need to convert that page into an image and then follow the same process.
- Consider resizing the cell to make the PDF easier to view within Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is only the first page of my PDF showing in Google Sheets?
Google Sheets’ IMAGE function only displays the first page of a PDF. If you need to show another page, you’ll have to convert it into an image file first.
Can I insert multiple PDFs into one Google Sheets document?
Yes, you can insert as many PDFs as you like into a Google Sheets document, just ensure each PDF has its own shareable link.
Will the PDF update in Google Sheets if I make changes to the original file in Google Drive?
No, you’ll need to re-insert the PDF into Google Sheets using the updated shareable link to reflect any changes.
Can I insert a PDF into Google Sheets on a mobile device?
While it’s possible, the process is much easier on a desktop. The mobile version of Google Sheets has limited functionality compared to the desktop version.
What if my PDF is too large to view in a single cell?
You can adjust the cell size by dragging the borders, or consider converting the PDF into multiple images to insert into adjacent cells.
Summary
- Upload your PDF to Google Drive.
- Get the shareable link of the PDF.
- Open your Google Sheets document.
- Choose the cell for your PDF.
- Use the IMAGE function to insert the PDF.
Conclusion
Inserting a PDF into Google Sheets can be a game-changer for data organization and accessibility. With our world becoming more digitally inclined, it’s crucial to have the know-how to integrate various file types into our daily tools. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone looking to streamline their workflow, mastering the art of embedding a PDF into a spreadsheet can save you time and hassle. As you’ve seen, it’s not a strenuous task—it’s as simple as uploading, linking, and using a basic function. So, why not give it a try? Experiment with different file types, explore the versatility of Google Sheets, and take your productivity to the next level. Remember, technology is here to make our lives easier, and knowing how to insert a PDF into Google Sheets is a step towards making the most of these technological advancements.
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.