Embedding OLE objects (Windows)

When you embed an OLE object in a container field in your database, the object becomes a part of your database. You can embed OLE objects from external files or create them in a container field, using the application of your choice.

The application you choose writes the object directly to the container field and is started whenever the embedded OLE object is edited. When you embed an object from an external file and that file is later edited, the embedded object doesn't change.

Once an OLE object is embedded in your database, you can activate the object to view or work with it.


To	Do this
Create a new embedded object (one that doesn't exist in an external file)	In Browse mode, select the container field to contain the embedded object. In Layout mode, click where you want to place the embedded object. Choose Insert menu > Object. In the Insert Object dialog, click Create New, then choose an object type from the list.
Use drag and drop to embed an object that exists in an external file	If the object to embed was created in an application that supports drag and drop, drag the file or a portion of the file into a container field or on a layout. (For example, select one paragraph in a Microsoft Word document, then use drag and drop to add it to a FileMaker Pro container field.)
Use the FileMaker Pro Insert menu to embed an object that exists in an external file	In Browse mode, select the container field to contain the embedded object. In Layout mode, click where you want to place the embedded object. Choose Insert menu > Object. In the Insert Object dialog, click Create from File. Enter the path name, or click Browse and select the file.
Use the Clipboard to embed an object that exists in an external file	In the external file, select what you want to embed. Then right-click the object and choose Copy or Cut. In FileMaker Pro, select a container field in Browse mode, or click a location in Layout mode. Choose Edit menu, then a Paste command (such as Paste or Paste Worksheet). If an OLE object is stored on the Clipboard, FileMaker Pro pastes the OLE object, instead of only its picture. To choose a different data format, choose Edit menu > Paste Special, then select Paste and choose a new format from the list. OLE objects are pasted onto layouts like all other graphic objects.
Display an object as an icon (For example, when an object contains related information that you don't want to work with each time you use the database)	Choose Insert menu > Object. In the Insert Object dialog, select Display As Icon. You see the icon that will display. To change the icon, select Change Icon (when Display As Icon is selected). Then select an option. (For From File, enter a filename, then choose an icon.) Click OK.