Unable to open embedded pdf in word

Question

I am unable to open embedded pdf in word. I can open other embedded file types e.g excel. I do not get any error message when I try and open it. Also the pdf will not open if it is embedded using an icon but will open if it embedded using a file link. 

Any help much appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi SarahO,

Please confirm if you are using the following steps to add a PDF to your Word document:

1. In Word, Click Insert > Object in the Text group.
2. Click Create from File > Browse.
3. Browse to the .pdf file you want to insert and click Open.
4. Check Display as icon box then Click OK.

From your post, I understand if you check Display as icon box, the PDF will not open and if you check Link to file option, the PDF will open. Correct?

I tested on my end with the latest version of Monthly Channel 2002 (Build 12527.20278), I can open any PDF added as an icon without any issue.

Since you are getting the issue, I’ll would like to suggest some troubleshooting steps, please check if the following steps helps you fix the issue:

1. Please make sure your Office 365 desktop apps are fully updated. The latest version of Office Monthly Channel and Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) is 2002 (Build 12527.20278) and Semi-Annual Channel, the version is 1908 (Build 11929.20648).

• For version information, please see Update history for Office 365 ProPlus (listed by date). If the Office version does not match with the version I mentioned, it might be possible that your Office apps are behind an update.
• To install Office updates, follow the instruction from this article.

   2. If your Office apps are fully updated, then try online repair:

• Click Start, in the search box typeRun
• In the Run box, type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Select **Microsoft Office 365,**click Change>Online Repair>Repair.

If the issue persists, please provide the following information:

1. Please provide the screenshot of Office 365 Product Information. To get this screenshot, open Word or Excel on your system, click File>Account, capture the screenshot of all the information mentioned under Product Information.
2. If your steps to add PDF to a Word document are different than mine, please provide your steps in detail.
3. Is it happening with a specific PDF? Please try adding a different PDF and check the result.
4. Does this happen in other Office apps, such as Excel or PowerPoint? Try adding a PDF file to check the result.

Thanks,

Neha

Answer 2

Hi SarahO,

Did you check above reply? Please update us if you still need help.

Regards,

Neha