Want to insert a PDF into Google Sheets from your PC? There’s no built-in way to do it, but it’s easy with the right tool.
You can do it manually by:
- Go to Google Drive, click New, go to upload and select the file
- Wait for the file to upload
- Click to open the file
- Click the share button
- Click copy link button
- Go back to your Google Sheets file and write the name of the file to the cell
- 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. If you only want to add a file that you already have in Google Drive probably is better to use the smart chips.
Although automatically inserting multiple files in cells is not supported by default by Google Sheets, you can add this functionality with FileDrop, a free Google Sheets add-on with drag and drop functionality. FileDrop will help users that want to add multiple files in a Google Sheet, the Pro version can add up to 25 files at once. Please refer to our article on inserting any files in bulk in Google Sheets.
FileDrop allows you to bulk insert or list PDFs or any type of file in your Google Sheets cells. If you want to insert files in Google Docs follow this link.
The following steps assumes that your files are on your computer and not in a Google Drive folder.
How insert PDF into Google Sheets cell with FileDrop
FileDrop helps users by removing some of the steps of manually adding a file. The drag and drop functionality will add the file automatically to your Google Drive and insert the file as a link. Different settings will give you options for sharing and permissions.
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 securely, you can use our dedicated file sending platform, or simply set the right permissions in the settings tab before uploading the files. 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 – Arrange the files upload order
We offer two types of uploaders, test both of them, see how the New Uploader looks like.
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.
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, FileDrop is the best option to add hundreds or even thousands of files at once. Please refer to our article on inserting files in bulk in Google Sheets.
Can I receive or request files with FileDrop?
Yes, you can request and receive files in Google Drive using our document collection software (File Forms) and then insert them into Sheets with the add-on.
Can I automate actions when I add a PDF to a Google Drive folder?
Yes, now you can using the FileDrop Automations. The automations help you with different tasks, here are some automation examples.
The Bottom Line:
One keeps you awake. The other gets work done.
A month of coffee: $80
A month of FileDrop: $19
Why not have both?
