How to Attach or Insert a PDF File to a Google Sheets Cell

Attaching or inserting PDF files to your Google Sheets spreadsheet cells automatically is easy with the right tools.

You can do it manually by:

1. Go to Google Drive, click New, go to upload and select the file
2. Wait for the file to upload
3. Click to open the file
4. Click the share button
5. Click copy link button
6. Go back to your Google Sheets file and write the name of the file to the cell
7. Add the link to the name

If you have more than one file or are doing this every day, it takes a lot of time as there are many steps.

Although automatically inserting files in cells is not supported by default by Google Sheets, you can add this functionality with FileDrop, a free Google Sheets add-on.

FileDrop allows you to insert PDFs or any type of file in your Google Sheets cells. If you want to insert files in Google Docs follow this link.

How to attach PDF File to a Google Sheets cell the easy way with FileDrop

Step 1

Install the FileDrop add-on from the Google WorkSpace marketplace. Add-ons are simple apps that enhance the functionalities of Google Sheets or other Workspace apps like Google Docs, Google Forms and Google Slides.

Follow our guide for a detailed installation. We also have a Quick Training page to learn how to use it in a few minutes.

Step 2

Start the FileDrop add-on by clicking the Extension menu, clicking on FileDrop and then Start FileDrop. If you don’t see the start link, refresh the page.

Step 3

The FileDrop sidebar will appear. Select the Google Sheet cell where you want to insert your file and then click on the upload area of FileDrop. You can also drag and drop files in the upload area. The number of files you can add depends on the license type you have, see our pricing here.

Once you’ve selected the PDF file, it will upload automatically to your Google Drive in the FileDrop folder created when you’ve installed the add-on.

The Google Sheet cell will have the PDF file name you’ve uploaded and it will be linked to the file in Google Drive. If you want to share the files with your team or colleagues, please set the right permissions in the settings tab before uploading the files.

New File Uploader – Beta

You can easily select files from your computer and then drag and drop them into your desired order before uploading, and even preview the files you added for images and PDFs. This new fix addresses a common frustration shared by many of our users, who previously had no control over the order in which their files were inserted.

Streamlined Upload Process

The upload process with the new uploader is remarkably straightforward. Once you’ve arranged your files, simply click the “Upload” button, and your files will start uploading immediately. A progress bar keeps you informed about the upload status, and you’ll receive a notification once the upload is complete.

Compatibility with Existing Settings

The new uploader seamlessly integrates with your existing FileDrop settings. Whether you prefer to add links or images, or if you have specific file size limits based on your account type, the new uploader adheres to your preferences. This ensures a consistent experience across the app’s features.

Other options

You can insert the PDF as a preview or just as a link, depending on what you choose from the Settings tab.

You can also do OCR text extraction. We have multiple tools that do text extraction from PDFs and images.

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You can copy the extracted text or translate it automatically.

That’s it—simple and easy.

Attach a PDF file to a Google Sheets cell video tutorial

Here is a quick video on how to attach a PDF file to a Google Sheets cell.

Conclusion

Adding files to Google Sheets it’s easy with the right tools. It works the same way with uploading image files in bulk or any other files.

Frequently asked questions

What file types can I upload in Google Sheets?

You can upload any type of files that Google Drive supports. In Google Sheets you can add PDFs, images, zips, videos or other types.

Can I add images to my Google Sheets?

Yes, here is a quick way to insert images in Google Sheets cells.

Where are the files saved?

The files are saved in the FileDrop folder in your Google Drive created when installing the addon. You can select another folder if you wish, option available with our paid plans.

Is my data safe with FileDrop?

Yes, your data is safe, and we don’t have access to your files or any data you add to FileDrop, the add-on runs inside your Google account. We don’t read the data or any information about your Google Drive.

Can I add PDF files in bulk with FileDrop?

Yes, you can add hundreds or even thousands of files at once. Please refer to our article on inserting files in bulk in Google Sheets.