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Information created in other applications (objects), such as charts, video clips and spreadsheet data, can be inserted in a Word document by embedding them.
The difference between linking and embedding objects is the location where the data is stored. Linked information is stored in the source file. The Word document stores the location of the information and displays a graphic representation of the linked data. Therefore, if the linked object is moved from its original location, Word will not be able to find it anymore and, as a result, will not display it. This problem does not exist with embedded objects, because they become part of the Word document.
To embed an existing object:
- Position the cursor where you want the object to be embedded
- Choose Insert|Object
- Click on the Create from File tab
- Browse to the file you want to embed and click OK
- Alternatively, to create a linked object, check the Link to file box
Why is this information important for translators and translation teachers?
Since clients could ask translators to insert specific objects in a translated document or translators themselves may need to insert localised objects (such as images, graphics, etc. already in the target language to substitute objects in the original document), translation professionals should know how to insert objects.
Particularly important for translators when using objects is to keep in mind that embedded objects make the file size bigger. Therefore, sometimes it is better to take the objects out of the document, save them as external graphic files and then link them one by one to the document.