Object Linking and Embedding or OLE is a technology from Microsoft which restricts many files from different companies to insert into Excel. However, we will show some methods to solve the problem of the topic of Cannot Insert Pdf into Excel so, follow the steps to make it happen.
Cannot Insert PDF into Excel: 3 Reasons and Their Solutions
Reason 1: Trying to Insert PDF File into a Password-Protected Workbook
In many cases, while going to edit something or add a pdf in a password-protected workbook, we get an error message. We are going through the details of the problem and its solutions in the following method.
As in the image, the workbook is password protected, the Link option is dimmed off so we cannot use the option to insert pdf in Excel.
Solution:
- To solve this problem, we have to go through the following steps:
File tab >> Info section >> Protect Workbook menu >> Unprotect button
- After clicking on Unprotect, a pop-up named Unprotect Sheet will appear on the screen. In this pop-up, we will insert the password and then click on OK.
- Now, to insert pdf we will do the followings: select a cell where you want to insert your pdf in this case the cell is C5 >> right-click on the mouse >> select Link.
Read More: How Do I Insert a Multiple Page PDF into Excel
Reason 2: Error in Inserting a PDF into Excel
- Older versions of PDFs can show errors while inserted into Excel.
- The PDF File may be Incomplete, Corrupt, or Damaged.
- Administrative Security Policy of Your PC
- Sometimes in the older version of Adobe and Office applications insertion errors can happen while the pdf file is open.
Solution:
However, the recent collaboration between Adobe and Microsoft has enabled us to insert seamlessly pdf files into excel. So, I recommend upgrading your applications accordingly.
- You can upgrade your Excel by following the steps: File >> Account >> Update Options >> Update Now.
- Pdf reader Adobe and Microsoft have made a collaboration and for this article, we have used Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for demonstration. So, now I am going to show the way to update Adobe reader. To do so go through the followings: Help >> Check for Updates.
Read More: How to Attach PDF File in Excel
Reason 3: Creating an Object from New File
Most of cases Excel users get errors after inserting a pdf in Excel due to the replacement of an Excel file from one location to another in the pc.
Solution:
- To avoid the previously described error, we can follow the steps:
Select a cell >> Insert >> Text >> Object.
- A pop-up named Object will appear. At this moment, we will go through the following steps: Create from File>> Check the box Link to file >> Browse.Â
- After pressing Browse, we will select our desired pdf file and then select Insert.
- Now, we will select OK in the Object pop-up.
Read More: [Fixed!] Cannot Insert Object in Excel
Download Practice Workbook
You can download the practice workbook from the following download button.
Conclusion
Follow these steps and stages to understand the topic on cannot insert pdf into excel. You are welcome to download the workbook and use it for your own practice. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section.
