WD97: Using INCLUDETEXT and LINK Fields with Word

ID: Q195596

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SUMMARY

If you want to insert data from another application, you can use the INCLUDETEXT field. Use this field when the data is unlikely to change.

However, if the data is likely to change frequently, using dynamic data exchange (DDE) ensures that your document includes the most current information. The type of data you import determines which field is best to use. If the data is continually updated, such as stock information or charts from Microsoft Excel, use the LINK field with the \a switch (this switch updates the field automatically). If the data changes less frequently, use the LINK field without the \a switch and manually update the field.

MORE INFORMATION

The syntax for these three fields is similar. Compare the following:

   {LINK class-name file-name [place-reference] [format] [automatic]}
   {LINK class-name file-name [place-reference] [format]}
   {INCLUDETEXT file-name [place-reference] [switches] [convert]}

   class-name        This is a description of the data being linked, for
                     example, ExcelWorksheet. These names can be found
                     in the [Embedding] section of the Win.ini file.

   file-name         This indicates the name of file being referenced,
                     for example, C:\\EXCEL\\Sheet1.XLS.

   place-reference   This is an optional reference to a specific area in
                     the file, such as R1C1.

You can use either of the following two methods to insert a field:

Method 1

1. Position the insertion point at the location where you want the

   linked item to appear.

2. Press CTRL+F9 to insert the field characters ({}).

3. Within the field characters, type the field command and the

   arguments you want to use, as in the following examples:

      LINK ExcelChart Excel C:\\Excel\\Chart1.xlc \p \a
      LINK ExcelChart Excel C:\\Excel\\Chart1.xlc \p
      INCLUDETEXT C:\\Excel\\Sheet1.xls (Word 6.x-97)

4. To display the field results, select the field, and press F9 (the

   update field key).

Method 2

1. Position the insertion point at the location where you want the

   linked item to appear.

2. On the Insert menu, click Field.

3. Select LINK or INCLUDETEXT from the Insert Field Type box.

4. In the Field Code box, position the insertion point to the right of

   the inserted field and type the following:

      ExcelChart Excel C:\\Excel\\Chart1.xlc (if you selected LINK)

    -or-

      C:\\Excel\\Document1.xls (if you selected INCLUDE or INCLUDETEXT)

5. Click OK.

6. To display the field results, select the field, and press F9.

Additional query words: braces include text

Keywords          : kbualink97 kbdta kbfield word97 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: December 19, 1998