Linking from PPT to Excel: thumbnail images

[Mike]

I have a PPT presentation with links to charts & numbers in other Excel
documents, done with the Insert->Object functionality. This way, when I
update my Excel docs, the PPT is automatically updated if I chose "update
links".

However, I am looking for help with the following issues...
1. If I change the size of my Excel file (eg. add a row), the the size of
the thumbnail on the PPT changes. I do not want this to change sizes since
they are placed exactly where I need them. Is there a way to keep the
thumbnail the same size?
2. How can I see the link easily? The Edit->Link functionality is too small
of a screen, and I would like to be able to see the link when I right-click
on one of the thumbnails.
3. How does PPT determine the how many rows/columns to show from Excel? I
have several different files, and some of them show just a few columns (about
8), and some allow even more. I am having trouble figuring out this logic.

Thanks much!
Mike

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

I'd start by changing the way you do this. Instead of using Insert Object
from PPT, which gives you a semi-random window into the Excel file, do
this:

Open the file in Excel
Select and copy the content you want to link to
Switch to PPT
Edit, Paste Special, checkmark Link and make sure that MS Excel Object is
the selected item, then click OK.

This will be a LOT more stable and predictable. And will pretty much
solve the problems you mention below I think.

Have a look here for a better way to poke and prod the link:

Show me the link and let me edit it
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00433.htm