What is Linking?

Definitions  Linking Directions


Definitions

Linking
"Linking means inserting information that retains a connection to the information stored in the original file. Linking keeps the inserted information up-to-date by refreshing it when there is a change to the original document."  (Source: Microsoft Office 2003 Help, Linking and Embedding)

Source and Destination
"A place from which data is taken. Many computer commands involve moving data. The place from which the data is moved is called the source, whereas the place it is moved to is called the destination or target."  (Source: http://www.pcwebopedia.com/TERM/s/source.html)
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Linking Directions

(This example explains linking an Excel spreadsheet or graph to a PowerPoint slide.  The same techniques apply to linking between other applications.)

Tip: Create a folder first to hold all your work. Secondly, create files and save all files in the folder. Create the link between files from within the folder. That way, when a folder is moved to a new destination the link goes with it.

  • Select a range of cells or a graph in Excel (or selected information in another source application)
  • Edit Copy (your preferred method) the selected cells or graph (or selected information in a source application)
  • Switch to PowerPoint or (another destination application)
  • Edit Paste Special… (only available on menu)
    • The Paste Special dialog box appears.
      • Click on the Paste link: radio button
      • Click on the type of object to be pasted.  (A Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object is displayed)
      • Click OK
      • The spreadsheet (or source data) is linked to PowerPoint

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