To add an existing Excel workbook in desktop Word, choose Insert > Object > Create from File, browse to the workbook, then decide whether to select Link to file. Select it to keep a connection to the source workbook; leave it clear to embed a copy in the Word document. For a chart alone, copy and paste the chart from Excel and choose a linked, embedded, or picture option.
Choose the right way to add Excel content
Decide what readers need to see and whether the content should change when the source workbook changes. Linking and embedding apply to an existing workbook; chart-specific paste options let you include just a chart.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Method | Best for | Updates and portability |
|---|---|---|
| Link an existing workbook | Keeping Word connected to a workbook maintained separately | Can reflect source changes, but depends on the workbook remaining available at its referenced location. |
| Embed an existing workbook | Carrying a self-contained copy in Word | The copy is part of the Word document and does not update when the original changes. |
| Paste a chart with linked or embedded data | Including a chart rather than an entire workbook | Linked options retain a source connection; an embedded-workbook option carries a copy of the workbook data. |
| Paste a chart as a picture | Preserving appearance when chart-data editing is unnecessary | It is an image, not an editable chart-data object. |
| Create a chart in Word | Building a new chart in the document | Word stores its chart data in the document; it does not update from a separate original workbook. |
Insert an existing Excel workbook in desktop Word
- Click in the document where the workbook object should appear.
- Select Insert > Object. The ribbon grouping can vary by Word release.
- Choose Create from File > Browse, then select the Excel workbook.
- To keep the object connected to the source, select Link to file. To place a copy in Word, leave that option unselected.
- If you want a clickable icon instead of the workbook’s first-page representation, select Display as icon.
- Select OK.
Microsoft documents this route for desktop Word versions including Microsoft 365 and Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024. Its support video says the demonstrated embed/link feature is unavailable in Office Online apps, so use desktop Word for this workflow. Microsoft’s instructions for inserting an object provide the documented steps.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Understand what linking and embedding change
Link the workbook when the source should remain authoritative
A linked object keeps the source content in the Excel workbook and records its location in Word. When the source file is modified, linked information can be updated. This is useful when the workbook is maintained separately, but Word must still be able to reach the source at its referenced location. Keep the workbook in a stable, accessible place; moving it or making it unavailable can break that connection. Microsoft explains linked and embedded objects.
#1 Best Overall
Embed a copy when the document must carry the content
An embedded workbook is stored inside the Word document. Recipients can receive that copy without needing the separate source workbook, but edits to the original Excel file do not update the embedded copy. Use this when portability matters more than keeping Word synchronized with a separately maintained source.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Insert a chart without adding the whole workbook
Copy and paste a chart from Excel
Copy the chart in Excel, then paste it into Word and choose the paste behavior that matches your needs. Microsoft’s documented choices include:
- Keep Source Formatting & Embed Workbook: keeps the chart’s source formatting and embeds a copy of the workbook data; the chart does not remain linked to the original.
- Use Destination Theme & Link Data or Keep Source Formatting & Link Data: retains a connection to the source workbook so the chart data can be refreshed from it.
- Picture: inserts an image. Its appearance is preserved, but its underlying data cannot be edited as chart data.
The paste choices are described in Microsoft’s instructions for inserting an Excel chart into Word.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Create a new chart in Word
Select Insert > Chart in Word, choose a chart type, and enter or edit the data in the Excel-style grid that opens. The chart and its data are stored in the Word document; they do not update from a separate Excel workbook. See Microsoft’s chart instructions for Word.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The Microsoft Office 365 Bible: The Most Updated and Complete Guide to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, Teams, Access, and Publisher from Beginners to Advanced
- ABIS BOOK
Check the document before sharing
- Confirm that you chose the right scope: a whole workbook, a chart, or a picture.
- For a linked object or chart, verify that the source workbook remains accessible at its referenced location and that the recipient can access it if they need updates.
- For an embedded workbook, remember that it is a snapshot relative to the original; later source edits will not carry over automatically.
- For a picture, check that appearance is sufficient, because the chart data cannot be edited as chart data.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
