Object Linking and Embedding

Not Available

This functionality is currently not available on IPSE GO. This section was written for a different IPSE product, only parts of this documentation may be applicable to IPSE GO.

Object linking and embedding (OLE), is a standardized mechanism for exchanging information between various MS-Windows programs. With OLE you can import information from other MS-Windows applications into your IPSE project. You can also edit this information without knowing which application was used to create it. Hence, with OLE you can use in your project graphics which you have created with other programs.

The main difference between linking and embedding objects is how data is stored. For linked objects, data is stored outside your project in a separate file. Embedded objects are always stored together with your data. You must consider this difference when you decide if you want to create a linked or an embedded object. If you need information only in a single document, embedded objects are more suitable. In most other cases, linked objects have the advantages of non-duplication of data as well as guaranteed updates, whenever the original object is modified.

Linked Objects

To insert a linked object in an IPSE project:

Select Edit Insert Object. IPSE opens the window shown in Figure 1.
Select the option Create from File.
Select the file containing the object to be linked.
Tick the Link checkbox.
Click on OK. The linked object is automatically inserted into your project window.

You can also insert linked objects in a IPSE project by using the clipboard.

To insert a linked object via the clipboard:

Open a source document with an MS-Windows program that supports OLE. Make sure that the file for the source document has been saved.
Select in this application the object to be linked and copy it to the clipboard.
In PSE, select Edit Paste Link to paste the object in your project window.

Linked objects can be placed anywhere in the project window.

Embedded Objects

To create an embedded object in PSE:

Select Edit Insert Object. IPSE opens the window shown in Figure 1 that lists all your programs supporting OLE.
Select the option Create New of this window.
Choose the program which you want to use to create your embedded object and press OK. Windows starts the selected program, so that you can create your object.
When you have finished, close the program. The object is automatically inserted into your project window.

To embed an existing object in PSE:

Select Edit Insert Object. IPSE opens the window shown in Figure 1.
Select the option Create from File.
Select the file where the object to be embedded is.
Click on OK. The object is automatically inserted into your project window.

You can move, resize and modify the embedded objects of your IPSE project in the usual way.

Figure 1. Dialog for inserting objects

To edit a linked or an embedded object, double click on this object. Windows starts the program which was used to create the object, so that you can edit it.

Visibility of Linked and Embedded Objects

Linked and embedded objects can be placed behind or in front of other objects on the drawing area. This is only relevant if the objects overlap.

To place linked and embedded objects in front of the other objects:

Select the object.
Choose Objects Set to Front. The object is placed in front of all other objects on the drawing area.

To place linked and embedded objects behind other objects:

Select the object.
Choose Objects Set to Back. The object is placed behind the other objects on the drawing area.