How to Update Linked Excel Charts in a Copied Word Document
Question details
The user needs to update an Excel chart that is linked inside a copied Word document without modifying the original source workbook or the original Word file.
- Product
- Word, Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new version of a report or document that contains linked Excel data, while preserving the historical records and original source data intact.
- Observed behavior
- Modifying the linked chart directly in the copied document typically alters the original source workbook, which risks historical data integrity.
Ensure you have copies of both your original Word document and the linked Excel workbook saved in a separate folder to prevent accidental overwriting during the relinking process.
Update and Save as a New Linked Source
This method allows you to edit the linked data, generate a new Excel source file, and update the copied Word document without touching the original files.
By opening the link directly from the word processor, you ensure the OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) connection remains active. Saving the source file under a new name redirects this connection safely.
Launch your word processor and open the copied version of the Word document that contains the linked Excel chart.
Right-click on the linked Excel chart. From the context menu, select 'Linked Worksheet Object' and then click 'Open Link'. This will launch the source workbook in Excel.
Make the necessary data or chart changes in the opened Excel workbook. Once finished, go to 'File' > 'Save As' and save the workbook with a completely new file name.
Close the newly saved Excel workbook. Return to your Word document, right-click the chart again, and select 'Update Link' to refresh the data using the new source file.
Finally, go to 'File' > 'Save As' to save the Word document under a new name, permanently securing the new linked pair.
Update Linked Charts Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides seamless OLE object integration between WPS Writer and WPS Spreadsheets, allowing you to easily manage, update, and relink Excel charts within your text documents without damaging original files.
- 1. Insert the Linked Object: In WPS Writer, go to the 'Insert' tab, select 'Object', choose 'Create from file', and check the 'Link to file' box.
- 2. Edit Linked Data: Double-click the linked chart in WPS Writer to automatically open the source file in WPS Spreadsheets.
- 3. Save as New File and Update: Modify the data, use 'Menu' > 'Save As' to create a new spreadsheet file, and update the document links easily via 'Menu' > 'Edit' > 'Links'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does updating my linked chart change the original Excel file?
When a chart is linked rather than embedded, the Word document reads directly from the original source file. Any edits made through the 'Open Link' command will alter that source unless you immediately use 'Save As' to create a new Excel file before saving changes.
Can I manually change the source file of an already linked chart?
Yes. In your Word document, go to 'File' > 'Info' > 'Edit Links to Files' (or click 'Links' under the Edit menu). Select the link from the list, click 'Change Source', and browse for your new Excel workbook.
What is the difference between a linked object and an embedded object?
A linked object remains connected to its external source file; changes in the source file reflect in the document. An embedded object becomes an independent part of the Word document itself and has no ongoing connection to external files, which also increases the document's file size.
Why is the 'Linked Worksheet Object' option missing when I right-click my chart?
This usually happens if the chart was pasted as a simple picture or embedded rather than linked. To create a link, you must copy the chart from Excel, go to Word, click the dropdown under 'Paste', select 'Paste Special', and specifically choose the 'Paste Link' option.
