Linking and Embedding Objects from Other Applications

[Windows® version only]

[Windows® version only]

Use the InsertObject command to insert data created with other applications into the drawing.

You can, for example, insert a:

• Worksheet or chart created with spreadsheet software
• Text document created with a word processing program or text editor
• Graphical object created with a raster image processing or vector editing program

There are two ways to insert data from files:

• Linking the object: Inserts a picture of the file into the drawing. When you edit a linked object, the source file changes. When you edit the source file, the linked object changes.
• Embedding the object: Inserts the contents of the file into the drawing so that you may activate it using the source application which created it.

Linking and embedding are referred to as OLE – Objects Linking and Embedding.

To insert a new object from another application:

1. Click Insert > Object (or type InsertObject).
2. In the dialog box, select Create New.
3. In Object Type, select the application you want to use. Note the short description of the software under Result.
4. Select Display As Icon if you want the application's icon to appear in the drawing instead of the data.
5. Click OK.
6. The new object appears in the drawing at the upper left corner of the active view and the source application opens.

  Note that you cannot create a link if you are creating a new object.

To link or embed an existing file from another application:

1. Click Insert > Object (or type InsertObject).
2. In the dialog box, select Create from File.
3. For File type the name of the file to insert into your drawing. Click Browse to find a file.
4. Select or clear Link to specify whether you want to link or embed the file:
   • Clear Link to embed. Changes you make to the data in the object will not appear in the original file, and changes to the original file will not appear in the object.
   • Select Link to link. Changes you make to the linked information in the drawing will appear in the original file, and changes to the original file will appear in the drawing.
5. Select Display As Icon if you want the application's icon to appear in the drawing instead of the data.
6. Click OK.
7. The object appears in the drawing at the upper left corner of the active view.

  As an alternative, use AttachDrawing to reference external drawings and AttachImage to reference external raster graphics in drawings. Use the References palette to manage referenced files. Use Paste to insert data from the Windows® clipboard into drawings.

Access

Command: InsertObject

Menu: Insert > Object