3 Ways to Insert a PDF Into PowerPoint Presentations

If you’ve ever tried dropping a PDF straight into PowerPoint, you know it doesn’t always cooperate. Text can shift, formatting can break, or the file refuses to embed at all.

The easiest solution is to turn the PDF into an image first. That way, you can insert it into your slides like any other picture.

We’ll walk through three effective methods to add PDF content into PowerPoint as images, so your slides stay sharp and professional.

Method 1: Convert PDF Pages Into Images With Smallpdf

The most reliable way to insert a PDF into PowerPoint is to convert your PDF pages into image files (JPG or PNG) and then add them as pictures to your PowerPoint presentation.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Smallpdf Converter

Head over to PDF to JPG.

Step 2: Upload Your PDF

Drag and drop your file, or pull it directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

Step 3: Choose Conversion Mode

You’ll see two options:

• Convert entire pages → saves each page of your PDF as an image (JPG).
• Extract images only → pulls out the images already embedded in the PDF and saves them individually.

Choose Convert entire pages if you want to insert the full page as a slide image. Use Extract images only if you only need the pictures from inside the PDF, not the text or layout.

Step 4: Download the Images

Save the converted JPGs to your computer.

Step 5: Insert Into PowerPoint

Open your slide deck, go to Insert > Pictures > This Device, and select the converted images. Resize and arrange them as needed.

This method works best when you want full-page content (reports, infographics, or scanned pages) added to your slides.

Method 2: Copy and Paste a PDF Section as an Image

If you only need part of a PDF, like one chart or block of text, copying works well.

Step 1: Open the PDF

Use Preview (on Mac) or any PDF viewer.

Step 2: Take a Snapshot

Select the area you want. On Mac, press Command + Shift + 4 to capture a section. On Windows, you can use Snipping Tool (Alt + Shift + S).

Step 3: Paste Into PowerPoint

Go to your slide and press Command + V (Mac) or Ctrl + V (Windows). The captured section appears as an image.

This is quick and flexible, though image quality depends on your screenshot resolution.

Method 3: Insert PDF Directly Into PowerPoint

PowerPoint also allows you to insert a PDF directly, though it’s less flexible than using images.

Step 1: Open Your Presentation

Choose the slide where you want the PDF.

Step 2: Go to Insert > Object

Select Object, then Create from File, and browse for your PDF.

Step 3: Choose Display Option

You can embed the file as an icon (clickable) or display the first page directly in the slide.

While this method technically works, it’s not always the best choice, since formatting might break or the file may not display correctly on other computers. That’s why converting PDFs into images first is usually a better option.

Can You Insert a PDF Image Into PowerPoint?

Yes. Once a PDF is converted into an image (using Smallpdf or screenshots), you can add it just like any picture.

The advantage is that images are static, so your formatting won’t shift, and the file will work consistently across devices.

How Do You Save a PDF as an Image for PowerPoint?

If you only need the PDF as a picture, Smallpdf’s PDF to JPG is the simplest path. Upload your file, pick the pages, and download ready-to-insert images.

Another option is exporting from Preview (Mac), but in my experience, it doesn’t always keep the formatting as cleanly.

Why Insert a PDF Into PowerPoint as an Image?

Here are the main reasons this method works better than embedding:

• Consistency: Images won’t shift fonts or spacing.
• Compatibility: Anyone opening your presentation will see the same content, no matter what software they use.
• Control: You can resize, crop, or layer the PDF image like any other picture in PowerPoint.

For important meetings or client presentations, converting to images helps your slides look sharp and polished.

FAQs

1. How do I insert a PDF into PowerPoint as an image?

Convert your PDF to JPG using Smallpdf, then go to Insert > Pictures in PowerPoint and select the file.

2. Can I insert a PDF as an image?

Yes. By converting the PDF into an image (JPG or PNG), you can insert it like any other picture.

3. How do I embed a PDF file into PowerPoint?

Go to Insert > Object > Create from File. Choose your PDF. PowerPoint embeds it, though formatting isn’t always reliable.

4. How do I save a PDF as an image?

Upload your file to Smallpdf’s PDF to JPG. Download the converted images and use them in PowerPoint slides.