How to Attach File in Excel (4 Easy Methods)

Here’s an overview showing what types of files you can attach to a sheet.

Attach file in Excel


When Do We Attach File in Excel?
How to Attach a File
 Attach Existing File as Embedded Object
 Create a New File for Attachment
 Use Context Menu to Link a File from Computer Storage
 Update Attached Files Automatically
Insert Image Files
Things to Remember
Frequently Asked Questions
Attach File in Excel: Knowledge Hub


What Is an Attachment in Excel?

Attaching files in Excel allows you to include extra documents or information. This simplifies the process of explaining the data in your worksheet and makes it more accessible for others to work with.


When to Attach a File in Excel?

  • When making a budget plan and you need additional resources.
  • For additional information, charts, reports, and money receipts. You can create a single PDF file including them. You can even store the images or tables in PDF format. Then you can attach this PDF file in a single workbook.
  • You can attach files that contain research paper information. In this case, if you have all the source files together then you can give your best in the presentation.
  • You will often need to attach reference files for your data.

How to Attach a File in Excel? (4 Easy Methods)


Method 1 – Attach an Existing File as an Embedded Object

  • Select cell C5 where we will keep the file.
  • Go to the Insert tab and choose Object.

Inserting Object

  • In the Object dialog box, go to Create from File.
  • Click on Browse.
  • Choose your file from Browse dialog box.
  • Check Display as icon.
  • Press OK.

Browse the file for attachment in Excel

Note: If you check the ‘Link to file‘ option, the attached file will be updated automatically if you change any information in the source file. If you don’t want any updates, then you need to uncheck this option.
  • Adjust the size of the icon by dragging the cursor from the edge.

Attached the file

Note: You can also right-click on the inserted object >> from Context Menu >> go to Format Object >> Properties >> check Move and size with cells.
  • Repeat the procedure to attach multiple files in Excel.

multiple attached files in Excel


Method 2 – Create a New File and Attach It to Excel

  • Select a cell.
  • Go to the Insert tab, select Text, and choose Object.
  • From the Object dialog box, go to Create New.
  • In Object type, select the file type.
  • Check Display as icon.
  • Press OK.

Creating new file

  • We have chosen the Microsoft PowerPoint Slide, so a new PowerPoint window appeared.
  • Prepare your new file.
  • Close the window and you will get this file in the cell.

Editing New Slide

  • We have attached different types of files in the same way.

Attach New files

Note: In the Create New option, if you choose the Object type like PDF format, then you need to select an existing file from your PC. You can’t edit this type of file at the time of attachment. While adding an existing file in Excel, use Method 1.

Method 3 – Use the Context Menu to Link a File from Computer Storage

  • Go to a blank cell.
  • Right-click on it.
  • From the Context Menu, choose Link.
Using Context Menu Bar for Linking a File

Click the image to see a detailed view

  • From the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, go to your target folder, select the file, and press OK.

Insert the hyperlink of the file

  • Then you will get the file link in your Excel sheet. By clicking the link, you can go to that file.

Attach a file as linked in Excel

How to Insert Link into Shape:

  • Go to a cell.
  • From the Insert tab, go to Shapes and insert a shape.

Inserting shape

  • You can link the file to this shape from the context menu. Use the same steps we described above.

Link files to shape

  • You can click on the shape and get the file.
Note: This method will work if the links and Excel file are on the same PC. So, while sharing a file from one PC to another, you can’t use this method.

Method 4 – Attach Files in Excel and Get the Updated Version

  • Select a cell.
  • Go to the Insert tab, choose Text, and select Object.

steps to insert object in Excel

  • From the Object dialog box, go to Create from File and click on Browse.

Attach file from storage

  • From the Browse window, select the file and click on Insert.

Attached file from browser

  • Check the Link to file and Display as icon options and press OK.

Attach a file with the link

  • You will get the attached files as linked objects.

Attach Different Types of Files in Excel as Link

  • Every time you update anything in the source file, these attached files will also be updated automatically.
Note: The source files and the Excel file must be on the same PC. Otherwise, you won’t be able to open the attached files.

Read More: Attach Documents in Excel


How to Insert Image Files in Excel?

  • From the Insert tab, under Illustrations group, go to the Pictures drop-down, and select This Device.

Attaching Image

  • The Insert Picture dialog box will appear. Select your PNG or JPG file and press Insert.

Inserting PNG format file

  • You’ll get the picture in your worksheet. You can move or resize it by dragging the cursor.

Attach Image in Excel

  • Sometimes moving images in Excel may break links or remove them. In that case, you need to reinsert the picture.
Note: Excel can’t handle GIF or BMP files directly. So, you must convert them. However, converting images can be time-consuming and might reduce the quality.

Read More: Attach Screenshot


Things to Remember

  • If you want to share your Excel file along with these attachments, don’t check the Link to file option. For more information, you can see Method 1 or Method 2.
  • While creating a link to the original file for attachment, if you move or delete the original file, embedded objects will vanish.
  • If you insert large images, Excel can slow down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I insert a notepad file into Excel?

  • Open workbook, select a cell, then from Insert tab, go to Text and select Object
  • From the Object dialog box, select Create from File and click on Browse
  • Select the Notepad(.txt) file in the Browse dialog box, check Display as icon and press OK.

Can I attach a PDF file in Excel?

Yes, you can follow the instructions above to attack a PDF like any other text file.

How do I send an attachment in Excel?

  • Go to the File tab and select Share
  • Upload your workbook in OneDrive, write the Email address, and press the Send button.

Practice Section

We’ve attached a simple dataset you can uses to test these methods.

Practice Section


Download the Practice Workbook


Attach File in Excel: Knowledge Hub


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Musiha Mahfuza Mukta
Musiha Mahfuza Mukta

Musiha Mahfuza Mukta is a marine engineer who loves exploring Excel and VBA programming. To her, programming is a time-saving tool for dealing with data, files, and the internet. She's skilled in Rhino3D, Maxsurf, C++, MS Office, AutoCAD, and Excel & VBA, going beyond the basics. With a B.Sc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from BUET, she's shifted gears and now works as a content developer. In this role, she creates techy content exclusively focused on Excel... Read Full Bio

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