Microsoft Word Question

[Two Roads Media]

Does anyone know how to create a file that can be controlled globally and inserted into a document with Word?

For example, say I want to keep updated biographical information in one file but have that automatically update any number of documents when I change the information in that one file rather than having to change every one of them individually. Anyone have any idea how to do that?

Kinda like how Word will automatically update the date/time, etc if you place it in a document correctly.

[jmbeach]

sort of like an include file?

try pulling up the word help and search for 'global'

Maybe that'll unveil something for you.

I know you can create templates, but I don't know if you can globally update data across multiple word docs.

[Brangwyn]

Probably easiest to use a mail merge for that, should be some info in the word help files on running a mail merge. Not quite what you wanted, but should work I think.

[jmbeach]

But doesn't mail merge only work to take a bunch of different pieces of data (such as a name and address, or email) to print out the same form letter to different recipients?

I think what he's trying to do is the opposite of that.

[Brangwyn]

not neccesarilly, you should be able to use merge in a few ways including the way you describe, I know I've used it in the past for something a little like that.

Either that or you can start using OLE object linking and embedding to do the job.

[Two Roads Media]

Thanks, guys. I will try that.

When setting up things like proposals, contracts, etc, it would just be nice to have text that can be modified independently of the entire document. A lot less tedious.

[nhdonny]

Look at XML. Here's an MSDN article on word 2003 xml for salesforce reporting. http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en...asp?frame=true

[jmbeach]

Originally posted by Two Roads Media
Thanks, guys. I will try that.

When setting up things like proposals, contracts, etc, it would just be nice to have text that can be modified independently of the entire document. A lot less tedious.

Remember, though, you should be careful with contracts that have already been written - you wouldn't want to update a contract that has been signed and delivered, because that would likely change key points in the contract.

Then again, if you're updating contract templates, etc. it wouldn't be a big deal.

Let us know if you figure out how to do that - would be a great resource!

[DJJ]

This works in MS WORD 2002 (OFFICE XP) SP1:
Can't verify other versions.

In your document you want to include your bibliography (or whatever) in, select 'Object...' from the 'Insert' menu. In the resulting dialog choose the 'Create from File' tab, browse to your file, and click the 'Link to file' checkbox.

This inserts the contents of the file into your document and creates a shortcut to the source file. Changes to your source file will be reflected in your document automatically.

Here's a screenshot:



Hope this helps. Cheers.

[Two Roads Media]

AWESOME, thanks!!!

[DJJ]

No problem... glad I could help.

[Brangwyn]

Basically thats "OLE object linking and embedding to do the job." like I said above.