How to Embed in Confluence

Embedding in Confluence is a handy skill that can greatly improve how you share information within your teams. Whether you're incorporating spreadsheets, videos, or interactive diagrams, embedding can bring your Confluence pages to life. We'll walk through different ways you can embed content, making your pages both informative and visually engaging.

Why Embed Content in Confluence?

Let's face it, plain text can be a bit dull. Embedding content in Confluence pages not only enhances the visual appeal but also the functionality. Think about it. Rather than directing your team to five different links and documents, everything they need is right there on the page. This can save time and make collaboration smoother. Plus, you can display real-time data from spreadsheets or even interactive content like Trello boards. It's like turning your Confluence page into a one-stop-shop for all the necessary information.

Embedding content also reduces the need for constant updates. If you're embedding a Google Sheet that updates in real-time, there's no need to manually edit the Confluence page every time data changes. This dynamic aspect is a game-changer for many teams.

Getting Started with Embedding

Before we jump into the details, it's important to note that Confluence supports various types of content for embedding, including videos, presentations, documents, and more. The process typically involves using macros, which are small programs that enhance the capabilities of Confluence pages. So, if you're familiar with them, you're already a step ahead!

The good news is that Confluence provides a user-friendly interface to work with these macros, making the embedding process quite straightforward. Let's get into the specifics of how you can embed different types of content.

Embedding Google Docs

Google Docs is a widely used tool, and embedding it into Confluence can be incredibly useful for sharing collaborative documents. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Google Doc you want to embed.
2. Click on "File" and then "Publish to the web."
3. In the pop-up window, click "Publish" and confirm your choice.
4. Copy the link provided.
5. Go to your Confluence page and click the "Insert more content" button (it looks like a plus sign).
6. Select "Other macros" and then choose "HTML macro."
7. Paste the Google Doc link into the HTML macro box and click "Save."

And there you have it! Your Google Doc is now embedded in your Confluence page. This method allows your document to be visible directly on the page, making it easier for team members to read and interact with the content.

Embedding Google Sheets

If you want to share data that's constantly updating, embedding Google Sheets in Confluence is the way to go. Here's how to embed a Google Sheet:

1. Open your Google Sheet and click on "File" then "Publish to the web."
2. Under the "Link" tab, select the sheet you want to embed.
3. Click "Publish" and copy the link provided.
4. On your Confluence page, click "Insert more content" and select "Other macros."
5. Choose the "HTML macro" and paste the Google Sheet link into the box.
6. Hit "Save" to embed your sheet.

This method is perfect for teams that need to collaborate on data-heavy projects. Your team members can view real-time data directly on the Confluence page, eliminating the need to navigate away from the page to access the Google Sheet.

Embedding Videos

Embedding videos can really spice up your Confluence pages, making them more engaging and informative. Whether it's a training video, a recorded meeting, or a marketing clip, here's how you can embed a video:

1. Upload your video to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo.
2. Copy the video's embed link from the platform.
3. On your Confluence page, click "Insert more content" and choose "Other macros."
4. Select the "HTML macro" and paste the embed link into the box.
5. Click "Save" to add the video to your page.

This embedding method helps in creating a more immersive experience for your team. Videos can offer explanations and walkthroughs that might be too complex or lengthy to express in text, making them an essential part of your content strategy.

Embedding Trello Boards

For teams that use Trello for project management, embedding Trello boards into Confluence pages can streamline workflows. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open your Trello board and click on "Show Menu" on the right side.
2. Click "More" and then "Print and export."
3. Select "Embed board" and copy the HTML embed code.
4. In Confluence, click "Insert more content" and choose "Other macros."
5. Select the "HTML macro," paste the Trello embed code, and click "Save."

Embedding Trello boards in Confluence allows your team to track project progress without leaving the page. It's a great way to keep everyone on the same page, literally and figuratively.

Embedding Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations

PowerPoint presentations are a staple in many businesses, and embedding them in Confluence can make sharing easier. Here's how you can do it:

1. Upload your presentation to a sharing platform like SlideShare or OneDrive.
2. Copy the embed code from the platform.
3. Go to your Confluence page, click "Insert more content," and select "Other macros."
4. Choose the "HTML macro" and paste the embed code into the box.
5. Click "Save" to display the presentation on your page.

This method allows for a more interactive experience with your presentations, enabling your team to view slides directly on the page without downloading files.

Embedding PDFs

If you have PDFs containing reports, manuals, or any other crucial documents, embedding them in Confluence can be beneficial. Here's a simple way to do it:

1. Upload your PDF to a cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive.
2. Copy the shareable link or embed code.
3. On your Confluence page, click "Insert more content" and select "Other macros."
4. Choose the "HTML macro" and paste the link or embed code.
5. Hit "Save" to have your PDF displayed.

This embedding technique allows users to view the PDF directly on the page, which can be particularly useful for sharing guidelines or policy documents with your team.

Embedding Interactive Diagrams

Interactive diagrams can be incredibly useful for visualizing complex processes or systems. Tools like Lucidchart or Draw.io can be embedded in Confluence to enhance understanding. Here's how you can embed a diagram:

1. Create or open your diagram in a tool like Lucidchart.
2. Go to "File" and select "Publish Link" or "Embed."
3. Copy the embed code.
4. In Confluence, click "Insert more content" and choose "Other macros."
5. Select the "HTML macro" and paste the code, then click "Save."

Embedding interactive diagrams in Confluence can transform your pages into dynamic learning tools, making complex information more accessible and easier to understand for your team.

Using the Widget Connector Macro

Confluence offers a built-in tool called the Widget Connector Macro, which simplifies embedding content from popular platforms. Here's how you can use it:

1. Click "Insert more content" on your Confluence page.
2. Select "Widget Connector" from the list.
3. Enter the URL of the content you want to embed, such as a YouTube video or Twitter post.
4. Click "Save" to embed the content.

The Widget Connector Macro can be a lifesaver when you need to embed content quickly without dealing with HTML code. It's user-friendly and supports a variety of content types, making it a versatile tool for any Confluence user.

Final Thoughts

Embedding content in Confluence pages can transform how you share and collaborate on information. From documents and spreadsheets to videos and interactive diagrams, embedding makes it all accessible in one place. And, if you're looking to create high-quality documents faster, Spell can be a great tool to streamline your workflow. It's all about making your Confluence pages more dynamic and engaging, helping you and your team work smarter, not harder.