The Insert Object command inserts objects into a document through linking and embedding. The difference between linking and embedding is how data is stored and updated.

The Object dialog box displays options for you to choose what you want to insert (for example, a Word document, a text file, an image, an Excel worksheet, or a PowerPoint slide), and how you want to insert it.

• When you link an object to a document, the document stores information about where the object is located. The object is not stored in the document. When you embed an object in a document, a copy of the object is stored in the document.

• When you make changes to a linked object, all documents that have links to that object update. When you make changes to an embedded object, only the copy of the object that is stored in the document updates.

After an object has been inserted, you can select the Properties command on its shortcut menu to modify the object using the Object Properties dialog box.