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Linking and embedding objects (OLE)

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) is a Microsoft technology that allows you to link to and embed OLE objects — such as graphics, spreadsheets, graphs, sounds, or text — created in applications that support OLE. In FileMaker Pro files, linked and embedded OLE objects can be stored in container fields or included in layouts.

Suppose you want to maintain the current picture of each product in your inventory database, but the pictures are kept in a file created by a graphics application. With OLE, you can create a link from your database to the graphics file to display the pictures. As pictures change in the graphics file, you can update the link to see the most recent pictures. Without OLE, you must open the graphics application, then cut and paste each picture into your database whenever the products change.

You can insert, display, copy and paste, activate or deactivate, edit, and convert OLE objects. You can also change and update links to OLE objects.

Viewing OLE objects on a Mac OS system

Although Mac OS does not support OLE, you can view, cut, copy, and paste OLE objects that were inserted in a FileMaker Pro for Windows database. OLE objects on the Mac retain all of the original file characteristics, but you cannot edit, open, or change the OLE object.