Embed

A copy of the file contents will be stored within the phrase file.

Benefits:

• The original file is not required anymore.
• Pasting is very quick as the file content is embedded with the phrase file and loaded during initial PhraseExpress startup.

Disadvantage:

• The phrase file size is increased which may slow down the PhraseExpress startup time. To keep the phrase file small, you should avoid embedding too many external files.

Link

PhraseExpress creates a new phrase and links the external file with the macro function. If you call the phrase, the macro will dynamically load the external file and inserts its contents into the target application.

Benefits:

• The macro function does not require much space in the phrase file.
• As the external file is loaded at the time of the insertion, you always get the latest contents.

Disadvantages:

• As the external file is loaded at the time of the insertion, the phrase is inserted with a small delay.
• You must not move or delete the linked file to keep the link. Links to external files are ignored by PhraseExpress if missing.
• If you are using the phrase file on another PC, you must make sure that the external file is also accessible via the same link. If using a PhraseExpress Server, this is not critical as the phrase file is centrally stored.

Launch with PhraseExpress

PhraseExpress creates a new phrase and opens the external file/program with the macro function.

Example: If you import a Microsoft Excel .XLS file this way, PhraseExpress will launch Excel and load the Excel spreadsheet.