A linked object is an object created in a source file and inserted into a publication while maintaining a connection between the two files. A source file can be in any format, such as Word, PowerPoint, or Excel.

Links are great to use when trying to keep file sizes down and when more than one person will be creating and editing the source file. This would usually take place in a network setting. For example, let’s say you are creating the annual report. It must contain a graph created in Microsoft Excel. However, another person is creating the graph and is continually updating it. Rather than re-inserting the Excel data, you could simply create an object that would constantly go out and refresh the data.

Linked files can only be updated in the source file, and reflected in the publication (destination file). Linked files do not become part of the publication. In this lesson we will be linking an Excel worksheet into a publication, where we will open and edit source files.