WordPerfect supports object linking and embedding (OLE). Object linking and embedding is the process of inserting an object created in one application (the server) into another application (the client). An object can be text, a graphic, a chart, a spreadsheet, a sound or video clip, or any file created by an OLE-compliant application. To share information with Windows applications created before Windows 95, you must use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) instead of OLE.
In this section, you'll learn about
linking and embedding objects
linking and embedding data created in other formats as regular text
linking and embedding TextArt images
linking and embedding video
linking, embedding, and using sound
changing links
updating links and editing OLE objects
changing and hiding link icons
Linking and embedding objects
WordPerfect lets you link and embed objects from any application registered with Windows as being OLE- or DDE-compliant. You can also link or embed selected information from a file.
When you link information, it resides in the source (server) file where it was created. It displays in WordPerfect (the client file) in a graphic frame or as an icon. If you change the object in the source file, you can update the link in the WordPerfect file too. Linking is useful when you want to be able to edit an object in a single location and have the edits reflected in the linked locations as well. The server application is used to create and edit linked OLE objects, either in the source application or in WordPerfect. If you want to edit DDE linked information, the server application must be used.
When you embed an object in a WordPerfect document, it is contained completely in the document file. The information is copied to WordPerfect but retains all the properties of the source application. An embedded object increases the size of a file and is not updated when you make changes in the source file. Embedding is useful if you want to insert an object and not have it change when its source file changes. You can embed an object in WordPerfect by creating a new object or by dragging the object into WordPerfect. You can embed multiple copies of an object by creating a Windows scrap file. You can also embed documents located on the Internet in a WordPerfect file as an object.
To link or embed a file as an object
1 Click Insert Object.
2 Enable the Create from file option.
If you want to link an object, enable the Link check box.
3 Type a path and filename in the File box.
If you want to display the object as an icon, enable the Display as icon check box.
Notes
If the Display object as icon in document check box is disabled, a DDE link is created.
You can also link and embed HTML documents that use a standard filename, also known as the Uniform Naming Convention (UNC).
To link or embed selected information as an object
1 Select the information that you want to embed in a WordPerfect document.
2 Click Edit Copy.
3 In WordPerfect, click where you want to insert the information.
4 Click Edit Paste special.
5 Enable one of the following options:
Paste-embeds the information
Paste link-links the information
6 From the As list box, choose a format for the embedded information.
Notes
If the Paste link option is disabled, the source application does not support linking, or the application is not registered properly with Windows. In this case, you can only insert a copy of the information. For information about copy and paste, see "Cutting, copying, and pasting text and graphics."
If the information is embedded rather than copied, the Result area indicates that the information can be activated by the source application.
To embed an object by dragging
1 Open the WordPerfect document into which you want to drag the object.
2 Select an object that you want to drag into the WordPerfect document.
3 Hold down CTRL, and drag the object to the WordPerfect icon on the Windows taskbar.
WordPerfect opens as the active window.
4 Position the object in the WordPerfect document, and release the mouse button and CTRL.
Tip
If WordPerfect and the other application are displayed, you can drag the object from the other application into the WordPerfect document.
To embed a new object
1 Click Insert Object.
2 Enable the Create new option.
3 Choose an object type from the Object type box.
4 Create the object.
5 Click outside the OLE box.
To embed a scrap file
1 Select text or an object.
2 Resize the application window so that you can see part of the Windows desktop.
3 Drag the object to the Windows desktop or to any folder in Windows Explorer.
The dragged object becomes a file with the word Scrap in its filename.
4 Drag the scrap file into any open document.
Note
If you drag a scrap file into WordPerfect or another application that support the .rtf file format, the scrap file is inserted as text. Otherwise, it is inserted as an embedded OLE object. For information about objects, see "Linking and embedding objects."
To embed Internet documents
1 Click Insert Object Create new.
2 From the Object type list box, choose an object type for an OLE-enabled browser.
3 Click OK.
4 Type the URL of the Internet document in the Location box.
5 Click outside the Internet object to return to the document window.
If you want to update the document, double-click the Internet document.
Note
The Microsoft Windows dialog box used to insert objects does not recognize Universal Resource Locators (URLs), such as http://www.corel.com, as valid filenames.
Tip
You can also use browser bookmarks to browse to a Web site. For more information, see the documentation for your browser.
Linking and embedding data created in other formats as regular text
WordPerfect lets you link or embed spreadsheet, database, and ASCII- or ANSI-delimited text files as regular WordPerfect text. The information displays without a frame as a seamless part of a WordPerfect document.
To link or embed spreadsheet data as regular text
1 Click where you want to insert the data.
2 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database, and click one of the following:
Create link-links spreadsheet data
Import-embeds spreadsheet data
3 Choose Spreadsheet from the Data type list box.
4 Choose Text from the Import as list box.
5 Type a path and filename in the Filename box.
6 From the Named ranges list, choose a named range to convert.
You can also
Choose a range to convert Type a range in the Range box.
Import to a table Choose Table from the Import as list box.
Create a merge data text file Choose Merge data file from the Import as list box.
Note
You must remove all passwords in order to import a password-protected file.
To link or embed a database as regular text
1 Click where you want to insert the data.
2 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database, and click one of the following:
Create link-links database data
Import-embeds database data
3 Choose a database format from the Data type list box.
4 Choose Text from the Import as list box.
5 Type a path and filename in the Filename box.
6 From the Fields box, choose the fields to import.
If you want to use fieldnames as column headings, enable the Use field names as headings check box.
If you want to specify field and record delimiters, click Query.
You can also
Import to a table Choose Table from the Import as list box. If you want to automatically size table columns, enable the Size table columns to fit data after import check box.
Create a merge data text file Choose Merge data file from the Import as list box.
Notes
If you are importing an SQL database, you must first log in to the database server.
You must remove all passwords in order to import a password-protected file.
To link or embed a delimited text file
1 Click where you want to insert the text file.
2 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database, and click one of the following:
Create link-links a text file
Import-embeds a text file
3 Choose ASCII delimited text from the Data type list box.
4 Choose Text from the Import as or Link as list box.
5 Type a path and filename in the Filename box.
6 Choose options for delimiters and characters.
If you want to create fields based on the data in the first line, enable the First record contains fieldnames check box.
You can also
Import to a table Choose Table from the Import as list box. If you want to automatically size table columns, enable the Size table columns to fit data after import check box.
Create a merge data text file Choose Merge data file from the Import as list box.
Notes
Each record must contain the same number of delimited characters (fields).
If you create a merge data text file, the imported fieldnames are based on the data in the first line.
Linking and embedding TextArt images
An image created with TextArt is an OLE object. You can link or embed an existing TextArt image or create a new TextArt image in a WordPerfect document. For more information about working with TextArt, see Using TextArt in the WordPerfect online Help.
To link or embed a TextArt image
1 Select a TextArt image.
2 Click Edit Copy.
3 In WordPerfect, click where you want to insert a TextArt image.
4 Click Edit Paste special.
5 Enable one of the following options:
Paste-embeds a TextArt image
Paste link -links a TextArt image
6 From the As list box, choose a format for the embedded image.
To create an embedded TextArt image
1 Click where you want to insert a TextArt image.
2 Click Insert Object.
3 Click Create new.
4 Choose TextArt document from the Object type list box.
5 Click OK.
6 Create a new TextArt image.
7 Click outside the OLE box.
Note
For information about working with TextArt, see Using TextArt in the WordPerfect online Help.
Linking and embedding video
WordPerfect lets you link or embed a video clip as an OLE object. When you link the file, you can update the video clip when the source file changes. When you embed the file, you insert a copy of it in a document. For information about updating a linked object, see "Updating links and editing OLE objects."
The type of video formats available depends on what is registered in the Windows Registry as being OLE-compliant. Formats include Video for Windows (.avi files) and may also include QuickTime Movie and Active Movie types. For more information, see the documentation for Windows and the video application.
To link or embed a video clip
1 Click Insert Object.
2 Click Create from file.
If you want to link a video clip, enable the Link check box.
3 Type a filename in the File box.
If you want to display a video clip as an icon, enable the Display as icon check box.
Notes
By default, WordPerfect represents the video clip in a document by displaying the first frame of the video clip.
Double-clicking a video clip plays the clip. Once in play, a control bar displays across the bottom of the file.
Linking, embedding, and using sound
You can link or embed a sound clip in a WordPerfect document. You can also play or record a sound clip in a document. If you want to rename a linked or embedded sound clip, you can edit its description. If you want to type the speech recorded in a sound clip, you can transcribe the sound clip using WordPerfect.
You can add digital (.wav) and MIDI (.mid or .rmi) sound files to WordPerfect documents. This allows you to include sound effects, music, and voice recordings and create multimedia documents for presentations, educational materials, product tutorials, and more.
To use sound in a WordPerfect document, you must have a sound device (usually a sound card) properly installed on your computer. If you want to create or play sound files, you will also need a microphone or another input device as well as an application for recording sound.
Depending on your hardware configuration, you can use two types of sound files with WordPerfect: MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) or digital audio. With the proper hardware, you can create sound files. You can also purchase sound files to use with WordPerfect. Before you purchase either MIDI or digital files, make sure that the files are compatible with your sound device.
To link or embed a sound clip
1 Click Insert Sound.
2 Click Insert.
3 In the Name box, type a name or brief description of the sound clip.
4 In the File box, type the filename of the sound file.
5 Enable the Store in document option.
If you want to link a sound clip, enable the Link to file on disk check box.
Note
The sound file is saved as part of the document, increasing the document size.
To play a sound clip
1 Click Insert Sound.
2 Choose a sound clip from the Sound clips in document list.
3 Click the Play button.
You can also
Fast forward a sound clip Click the Fast forward button.
Rewind a sound clip Click the Rewind button.
Pause a sound clip Click the Pause button.
Tips
You can also click the Sound button in the left margin of the document to play the sound clip.
You can also double-click the sound clip to play it.
To edit the description of a linked or embedded sound clip
1 Click Insert Sound.
2 Click Edit description.
3 Type a description in the Name box.
To transcribe a sound clip
1 Click Insert Sound.
2 Click Transcribe.
3 Click the Play button on the Sound toolbar.
You can also
Fast forward a sound clip Click the Fast forward button on the Sound toolbar.
Rewind a sound clip Click the Rewind button on the Sound toolbar.
Replay the last sequence of the sound clip Click the Replay button on the Sound toolbar.
To record a sound clip
1 Click Insert Sound, and click Record.
2 Record the sound using a microphone or other input device.
3 Click File Save as.
4 Type a name for the clip in the Filename box.
5 Close the Sound Recorder.
Note
Sound is recorded by using the Windows Sound Recorder. For more information, see the Windows documentation.
Changing links
WordPerfect lets you update the source of a linked object, or a linked spreadsheet or database inserted as regular text. For example, if you move the source file, you can specify its new location. You can also break a link and keep the current copy of the information in a document. This may be useful if you do not want to update a link with its source file. If the linked information is not needed anymore in a WordPerfect document, you can delete the link and the linked information.
To change the source of a linked object
1 Deselect all objects in the document.
2 Click Edit Links.
3 Choose the object from the Links list box
4 Click Change source.
5 Choose the drive and folder where the file is stored.
Note
Most objects are inserted as OLE links. Whether an object is inserted as an OLE or DDE link depends on the registration in Windows of the source application, and the format you selected when you inserted the object.
Tip
If you want to view the linked object, click Open source.
To change the source of a spreadsheet or database linked as regular text
1 Click between the link markers in a WordPerfect document.
2 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database Edit link.
3 Choose a format from the Data type list box.
4 Choose a format for the linked information from the Import as list box.
5 Type the path and filename in the Filename box.
Note
When you change or update a link, you lose formatting made to the data in WordPerfect.
To break a link and keep the information in a document
1 Click Edit Links.
2 Choose a link from the Links list box.
3 Click Break link.
Tip
You can break a DDE link by deleting the DDE Link codes in the Reveal Codes window. For more information about Reveal Codes, see "Displaying Reveal Codes."
To delete a link and the linked information
1 Select a link.
2 Click Edit Cut.
Tip
You can also delete a link and its linked information by deleting the [Box:Linked Object] code in the Reveal Codes window.
Updating links and editing OLE objects
WordPerfect lets you update links to keep the information in a WordPerfect document current with its source file. You can manually update a linked spreadsheet or database as regular text, or have WordPerfect automatically update it when you open the document. You can also manually update a linked or embedded OLE object in a WordPerfect document, or have WordPerfect automatically update it when you open the document. By default, WordPerfect automatically updates the link when you open the document.
An embedded object is a copy of the source information. Although there is no link between the object embedded in a WordPerfect document and the source file, the embedded object retains the properties of its source application. Using the controls of the source application from WordPerfect, you can update an embedded object by editing it.
To manually update a spreadsheet or database linked as regular text
1 Save the source file in the source application.
2 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database Update.
To update a spreadsheet or database linked as regular text when you open the document
1 Save the source file in the source application.
2 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database Options.
3 Enable the Update when document opens check box.
To update a linked object manually
1 Click Edit Links.
2 Choose a link from the Links list box.
3 Click Manual.
4 Click Update now.
Note
To update a DDE link, the source file must be open in the source application.
To update a linked object when you open a document
1 Click Edit Links.
2 Choose a link from the Links list box.
3 Click Automatic.
To edit a linked or embedded OLE object
1 Select the object.
2 Click Edit [object name] Edit.
If you want to open the object in a separate window, click Edit [object name] Open.
3 Make any changes.
4 Click outside the object box.
Note
You can edit most embedded objects by double-clicking them. However, if you double-click a sound or video clip, the clip plays.
Tip
You can also edit an object by right-clicking the object, and clicking [object name] Edit.
Changing and hiding link icons
When you display a linked or embedded object as an icon, WordPerfect provides a default icon and label. You can enter a different label and choose an icon from a file saved in a .ico, .exe, or .pll file. This must be done when you link or embed the object.
For a spreadsheet or database linked as regular text, you can hide the link markers shown in the margin.
To choose the icon or label displayed for a linked or embedded object
1 Click Insert Object.
2 Enable the Create from file option.
3 Type a path and filename in the File box.
If you want to link an object, enable the Link check box.
4 Enable the Display as icon check box.
5 Click Change icon.
6 In the Change icon dialog box, enable the From file option, and type the path and filename containing the new icon in the box beside it.
7 Press TAB.
8 Click the icon you want displayed.
9 In the Label box, type a name for the icon.
To hide link icons for a spreadsheet or database linked as regular text
1 Click Insert Spreadsheet/database Options.
2 Disable the Show link icons check box.
Note
The link icons do not appear when you print even if they display in the document window.
