2004

702 | Chapter 24 Link and Embed Data (OLE)
Import OLE Objects
You can import information from other applications that support OLE into
an AutoCAD drawing.
Overview of Importing OLE Objects into
Drawings
There are two methods you can use to import information from other appli-
cations that support OLE into an AutoCAD drawing: embedding or linking.
Embedded information is not updated when the original document changes.
Linked information is updated when the original document changes.
You control the display of OLE objects in two ways:
■ OLE objects are inserted in an AutoCAD drawing on the current layer.
Turn off or freeze a layer to suppress the display of OLE objects on that
layer.
■ Set the system variable OLEHIDE to display or suppress the display of all
OLE objects in paper space, model space, or both.
Link OLE Objects in Drawings
You can link information from a document created by another application to
an AutoCAD drawing. For example, you might want to insert a schedule into
an drawing that will be automatically updated. You also can install multime-
dia icons that are activated when double-clicked.
Update Links
You can set AutoCAD to update links either automatically or manually when
information in the linked document changes. By default, AutoCAD updates
links automatically. Use the
OLELINKS command to specify automatic or
manual updating.
Reconnect Links
Because a link references the location of the linked document, you need to
reconnect the link if the document changes location or is renamed. You also
reconnect links when you need to substitute new information or objects con-
taining links.
Break Links
Breaking a link does not remove the inserted information from the AutoCAD
drawing. Instead, it removes the connection to the linked document. You
can break a link when you no longer need to update the information.