'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Keep Excel Charts Linked and Updated in Word on Mac
Question details
The user needs to paste an Excel chart into a Word document on a Mac and ensure the chart stays linked to the original data and updates automatically.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Pasting charts from Excel into Word and keeping the data connection live across documents.
- Observed behavior
- Excel charts pasted into Word frequently lose their links or fail to update automatically due to incorrect paste formats, Office versions, or automatic-link settings.
Ensure both your Excel spreadsheet and Word document are saved to a local folder on your Mac before copying the chart, as linking unsaved files can cause the connection to break upon closing.
Use Microsoft Office Graphic Object and Enable Automatic Updates
Use the correct Paste Special format and configure Word preferences to ensure linked charts update automatically when the document is opened.
The behavior of linked charts heavily depends on the paste format selected. Choosing 'Microsoft Office Graphic Object' establishes the proper connection to the source file, while adjusting Word's link settings ensures you don't have to fetch data manually every time.
Open your Excel workbook, select the chart you want to transfer, and press Command+C to copy it.
Switch to your Word document. Go to Edit > Paste Special in the top menu bar, select 'Microsoft Office Graphic Object', and click OK.
Click on 'Word' in the top Mac menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
Under 'Output and Sharing', click on 'General'. Check the box that says 'Update automatic links at open' to ensure your charts refresh whenever you open the document.
Easily Link and Update Spreadsheets in WPS Office
WPS Office integrates documents, spreadsheets, and presentations into a single, lightweight Mac application. This unified environment makes copying, pasting, and keeping data linked between your spreadsheets and documents incredibly smooth and reliable.
- 1. Open your files in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and open both your spreadsheet and document in the unified tabbed workspace.
- 2. Copy the chart: Select your chart in the WPS Spreadsheet tab and copy it.
- 3. Paste with links: Switch to the WPS Writer tab, click the drop-down arrow under the Paste button, and select 'Keep Source Formatting and Link Data'.
- 4. Save and update: Your chart is now dynamically linked and will automatically reflect any future data modifications made in the spreadsheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pasted Excel chart appear as a static picture in Word?
This usually happens if the chart was pasted using standard commands that default to a 'Paste as Picture' format. To maintain a live data connection, always use Edit > Paste Special and choose 'Microsoft Office Graphic Object'.
Should I select 'Excel Chart Object' when pasting into Word on Mac?
Generally, no. The 'Excel Chart Object' option is often intended for older charting technologies. Choosing 'Microsoft Office Graphic Object' ensures better compatibility and reliable updating behavior in modern Office versions.
What happens to my linked chart if I move the original Excel file?
If you rename or move the source Excel file to a different folder, the link will break because Word can no longer locate the data path. You will need to either move the file back or go to Edit > Links in Word to update the source location manually.
Can I manually force all linked charts in my document to update at once?
Yes. You can press Command+A to select the entire Word document, then press F9 (or Fn+F9) to force a manual update on all linked fields and charts simultaneously.
