Binding and Embedding OLE-Objects

Binding and embedding objects allows you to use information from one application in another one. To use OLE technology, it is necessary that both the source application and the target application support OLE mechanism.

Both binding and embedding insert information from one document into another. Further, in both cases an object is edited in the document of the receiving application. However the results of binding and embedding objects differ from each other by the method how the information is stored.

Embedding objects and their binding are similar to inserting blocks and creating external references.

Embedding objects

When embedding by OLE method, a copy of embedded data is placed in the compound document. This copy loses contact with the source document. Embedded data in the compound document can be edited using the application they were created in; but the source document does not change. When embedding objects, the link with the source file is not maintained. Embedding should be used, if modification of the source document while editing the compound document is undesirable.

Binding objects

When binding by OLE method, a link is created between the server document and the compound document. A link is a convenient way to use the same data in different documents: if the source data are modified, only update of links is required to change the compound documents. Most receiving applications can also be configured to update them automatically.

When linking a drawing, you should maintain access to both the source application and the document. If any of them are renamed or moved, the link may need to be re-defined.