APPLICATION DESIGN

Linking and embedding objects in forms
When you link or embed an object in a form, every document created from the form displays the object. Whether you link or embed an object depends on how the form will be used.

Linking maintains the object in the source application and displays the object in the host application, which in this case is the IBM® Lotus® Notes® form. For example, a form might contain a Lotus 1-2-3® spreadsheet that you update frequently. The advantage to linking is that you can maintain control over the source. When you update the object in the source application, all links to the object automatically update. The disadvantage to linking is that all users must have access to the file containing the object, as well as the application used to create it. In this example, the users need the spreadsheet file and 1-2-3.

Embedding an object allows you to place the object in a form. The object "lives" in the form, and users can modify and update the object from the form. For example, if you embed a graphic in a form, users need a compatible version of the source application to view the graphic. Designer access is required to modify the graphic.

OLE and LotusScript

To build on the power of OLE, use LotusScript to create or enhance workflow applications. You can use LotusScript to create, manage, and update objects within Notes documents.

For more information on using LotusScript with OLE objects, see the Programming Guide.

To link an object in a form

To link to an object, it must already exist in the source application.

1. Use a source application that supports object linking and embedding (OLE) to create an object.

2. Copy the data in the application to the Clipboard.

3. Open the form in IBM® Lotus® Domino® Designer®, click where you want the object to appear, and choose Edit - Paste Special. Then choose "Paste Link to Source" and click OK.

4. Save and close the form.

To embed an object in a form

You can create an embedded object from within Designer.

1. Click where you want the object to appear on the form, and then choose Create - Object. Designer lists the available applications that support OLE under "Object type."

2. Choose an application. Designer will launch the application "in-place" by default if the application supports this; otherwise, Designer will open the application.

3. Create data in the application.

4. If you are using "in-place" editing, click outside the OLE application to return the focus to Designer.
If Designer originally opened the application, exit the application.

5. Save and close the form.

See Also