How to Fix Blank Embedded Excel Objects in Word for Mac
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where embedded Excel worksheets display as blank spaces in Word documents and exported PDFs after updating to version 16.56.
- Product
- Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Viewing or exporting a Word document that contains an embedded Excel workbook object.
- Observed behavior
- The embedded Excel worksheet fails to render, appearing as an empty blank space in the Word document and the exported PDF file.
Verify your current version of Word for Mac by opening the application and navigating to Word > About Microsoft Word to see if you are running version 16.56, which contains this known bug.
Use Paste Special to Insert as a Graphic Object
Bypassing the standard object embedding process by pasting the Excel data as a graphic object prevents the blank space rendering bug.
Using the Paste Special feature is the quickest workaround to display your Excel data properly without needing to uninstall or downgrade your current software.
Open your Excel workbook, select the specific data range or chart you want to insert, and copy it.
Switch to your Word document, click on the 'Edit' menu at the top of your screen, and select 'Paste Special'.
Choose 'Microsoft Office Graphic Object' from the available format list and click 'OK' to insert the data.
Downgrade Word for Mac to Version 16.55
Since this is a known bug introduced in version 16.56, rolling back to the previous stable release will restore normal functionality.
Use Word for the Web as a Temporary Workaround
If local application workarounds fail, opening the document in the web version of Word often renders the embedded objects correctly.
Use WPS Office to Avoid Mac Compatibility Issues
Avoid frustrating version-specific bugs like blank embedded objects. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight suite that handles Word documents and Excel worksheets seamlessly on Mac, ensuring your files look exactly the way you intended.
- 1. Download: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Install: Follow the installation prompts to set up the software on your Mac.
- 3. Open Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your DOCX file to view all embedded objects perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my embedded Excel objects showing as blank in Word for Mac?
This is a known display bug specific to Word for Mac version 16.56. The application fails to render the embedded Excel object code properly, resulting in an empty blank space where the table or chart should be.
Will the blank embedded Excel objects show up when exported to PDF?
No. If the Excel object appears blank in Word for Mac version 16.56, it will typically also be missing or appear as a blank space in the exported PDF file.
How can I prevent Word for Mac from automatically updating to a buggy version?
You can manage your software updates by opening Microsoft AutoUpdate on your Mac, unchecking the 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' option, and choosing to manually review updates before installing them.
Does Paste Special link the data back to the original Excel file?
It depends on the option you choose. If you select 'Paste Link' within the Paste Special menu, it will update when the original Excel file changes. Pasting purely as a Graphic Object inserts it as a static image without a live data link.
