Importing Content From Excel Files
Keith L. Hood · 2026
Another process that requires specific techniques is that of importing content into a Word file from an Excel repository file. This importing process requires using the LINK field, which has a complex syntax and which must be used carefully. This chapter describes the syntax and provides detailed guidance in constructing LINK fields correctly. It also shows problems that may occur because of how an import may reach different worksheets in an Excel file, a thing that happens because Excel exhibits a behavior called sheet affinity, in which the most recently accessed worksheet in an Excel file remains as the worksheet of record for connection with an importing field. This chapter includes guidance on how to import graphics from an Excel file without them being malformed and shows why the LINK field is unsuitable for importing graphics from Word files. Importing charts from Excel is also covered here, and techniques to use while importing from a range of cells in an Excel worksheet.