How to insert a Word document in Excel

Embedding a Word document in Microsoft Excel is a possibility, but not everyone knows how. There are many reasons why a person would want to insert a Word document inside of an Excel workbook or spreadsheet. We have decided to explain how to get this done in multiple ways.

How to insert Word files in Excel

To add or embed a Word document inside Excel requires the user to do so via Objects, Paste special, Linked documents, or creating a new file. Let us see all these methods.

Insert document as an object
Use the Paste Special feature
Add a linked Word document to Excel
Create a new Word document in Excel

1] Insert document as an object

The first option here that we want to discuss is how to insert a document as an object. This is one of the most used methods, so let us explain.

We assume Microsoft Excel is already opened, along with the relevant workbook.

Go ahead and click the Insert tab, then select Text Group.

Look for Object and click on it right away.

From the small Object window, please select the Create From File tab.

Click on Browse, then locate the Word document.

Please ensure that Link To File is not chosen.

However, when it comes down to Display as Icon, you can choose to select it or leave it be.

Finally, hit the OK button to add the document to your Excel workbook.

2] Use the Paste Special feature

Another way for users to add a Word document to Excel is to take advantage of the Paste Special feature.

First, you must locate the Word file you wish to add to the spreadsheet.
Open the document, then copy the selected text, or all if you wish.
Open the Excel spreadsheet and click on the Home tab.
Click the arrow on the Paste button, then select Paste Special via the Paste Options dropdown menu.
From the Paste Special window, select Paste, along with Microsoft Word Document Object.
From there, you can either choose to select Display as Icon or not.
Complete the task by clicking on the OK button, and that’s it.

Bear in mind that this option will achieve the same result as the first method.

3] Add a linked Word document to Excel

In a situation where you might want to keep the embedded document updated whenever changes are made to the original, you have to add it to the workbook as a linked document.

Choose the cell where you want the document to appear in Excel
Next, click on Insert, then select Text Group.
From there, please click on Object.
Via the Object dialog box, go ahead and select Create From File.
Click the Browse button to find the Word file you wish to add.
Check to ensure that Link to File is selected.
Complete the task, then, by clicking the OK button.

From now on, whenever changes are made to the original Word document, they will reflect in Excel.

4] Create a new Word document in Excel

Adding an already created Word document into an Excel spreadsheet is for amateurs. How about creating a Word document from within Excel itself? If that sounds excellent, then keep reading.

Open the Excel app, then create a new workbook or open an old one.
Click on the cell where the Word document or object will appear.
Next, you must click on the Insert tab via the Ribbon, then Text Group.
Go ahead and choose the Object option, then select Create New.
From the Object Type list, please select Microsoft Word Document.
Hit the OK button, and that’s it, a new Word document has been created in Excel.

Now, please understand that this document is not saved separately on your computer. It is and will always be an object inside of Excel.

READ: How to break Links in Excel

Can a Word document be converted to Excel?

Yes, it is possible to convert a Microsoft Word document to Excel, but this can only be done via desktop applications. It cannot yet be done with Microsoft Excel Online, which is the web version for those who haven’t heard of it before.

Read: How to convert Excel Spreadsheet into a Word Document

How do I convert a Word document to Excel without losing formatting?

The best way to save a Word document to Excel without losing formatting is to open the document in question, then click on File. After that, click Save As, and under Save As Type, please select Plain Text via the dropdown menu. Look to the File Conversion dialog box, then check the Preview area to see if the formatting is still intact before completing the conversion plans.