How do methods for importing Excel charts differ?

[Carter Devereaux]

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

 

[Jezebel]

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.