How do methods for importing Excel charts differ?

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Guest

There seems to be a lot of different ways to bring in an Excel chart. Whether
it's through importing or simply using cut/paste.

So far I've learned of two definite ways:
1. Import > Object > Create from file
2. Shift > Edit > Copy Picture (then use Edit > Paste Special to paste)

Does anyone know the subtle differences between using one method over the
other? Or at least can you tell me which method you prefer.

Thanks,
Carter
 
The main options are these:

1. Picture: you are getting a graphic *image* of the chart (like a scan of a
document). You won't be able to change the chart, you'll likely lose graphic
quality if you re-size it within Word, and it might not print so well. Least
attractive option for most purposes.

2. Embedded: the chart is a data object -- and thus changeable -- entirely
contained within the Word document. Double-click on the chart and you're
effectively working with Excel within Word.

3. Linked: similar to 2 but the chart remains within a separate Excel
workbook. Change the workbook, and the document (when open) will change
also.

The choice between 2 and 3 is largely a matter of convenience. With 2 the
Word text, chart, and data form a single, self-contained document -- which
is good provided a) the Excel part of what you're doing is not a huge amount
of data and b) you don't need to work on the workbook separately. With 3
your workbook can be as large and complex as you like, and you can work on
it independently from your document; but you have two separate files to
manage.
 
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