Linked objects are part of OLE – object linking and embedding. As the name implies, linked objects are elements of some sort – often pictures or animations – that are linked to either another document or another part of the same document. To be more specific, linked objects are created with an application and inserted into a document that was created with a different application. An example would be creating a Word document and linking a table that was created in Excel into said Word document.
Technipages Explains Linked Object
There is an important distinction between linked objects and imported objects – while both look the same at a glance, the ‘behind the scenes’ works a little differently. Imported objects are as is. That means that, at the point of import, a sort of snapshot of the object is taken that is then displayed in the document. A linked object on the other hand maintains an active connection between both documents. That means that, provided both documents are open, editing the source object while update the linked object automatically.
A linked Excel table will update in Word if a record is removed, while an imported one will not. This can be useful, but only works if and when both documents are open on the same machine (or, in newer programs, on machines connected through some network). Linked objects are perfect for use where the copied version should always match the original, while imported ones are ideal if the user wants of a view of one particular moment, and then wants to edit the source object without the copy changing as well.
Common Uses of Linked Object
- Linked objects allow a user to connect an object from one document with another document, either within the same document or in another – it is possible to link Excel graphs across tables, for example.
- In opposition to linked objects, imported ones will not automatically update at all and if the user wants a change, they need to manually remove the copy and replace it with a different one instead.
- The use of linked objects is particularly common in office software packages, such as the Microsoft Office Suite, where Excel and Word are often used to link back and forth.
Common Misuses of Linked Object
- Linked objects are parts of a document that link to another location in that document.
