1 Open the Excel workbook, and switch to worksheet where user wants to insert the file. 2  Choose and highlight the cell where the icon that represents the file would like to be placed to open the inserted file. 3  In the menu bar or ribbon interface, click Insert. 4  Select Object. Open the Excel workbook, and switch to worksheet where user wants to insert the file. 2  Choose and highlight the cell where the icon that represents the file would like to be placed to open the inserted file. 3  In the menu bar or ribbon interface, click Insert. 4  Select Object.