Embedding and Linking Information

Embedding inserts a copy of one document into another. When data is embedded, you can edit it using the menus and toolbars of the program in which it was created (that is, the source program ). Linking displays information stored in one document (the source file ) into another (the destination file ). You can edit the linked object from either file, although changes are stored in the source file. For example, you might link an Excel chart or a PowerPoint slide to a Word document so you can update the chart or slide from any of the files. If you break the link between a linked object and its source file, the object becomes embedded. You can use the Links command on the Edit menu to modify a link.

Embed an Existing Object

Click where you want to embed the object.

Click the Insert menu, and then click Object.

Click the Create From File tab.

Click Browse, and then double-click the file with the object you want to embed.

Click OK.

Embed a New Object

Click where you want to embed the object.

Click the Insert menu, and then click Object.

Click the Create New tab.

Click the type of object you want to create.

Click OK.

Enter information in the new object using the source program's commands.

Link an Object Between Programs

Click where you want to link the object.

Click the Insert menu, and then click Object.

Click the Create From File tab.

Click Browse, and then double-click the object you want to link.

Select the Link To File check box.

Click OK.

Edit an Embedded or Linked File

Double-click the linked or embedded object you want to edit to display the source program's menus and toolbars.

Edit the object as usual using the source program's commands.

When you're done, click outside the object to return to the destination program.

Click the Save button.

Did You Know?

You can use Paste Special to link or embed . If you want to link or embed only part of a file, copy the information, and then click where you want to link or embed the information. Click the Edit menu, click Paste Special, click the Paste option to embed or the Paste Link option to link, select a format, and then click OK.