An object linking and embedding (OLE) object is an external file, such as a document, graphics file, or video file that was created using an external application and which can be inserted into another application, such as Creo Parametric.

You can create and insert supported OLE objects into a two-dimensional Creo Parametric file, such as a drawing, report, format file, layout, or diagram.

You can insert OLE objects in Creo Parametric by linking or embedding. After you insert an object, you can edit it within Creo Parametric or in its separate application window, outside Creo Parametric.

In Creo Parametric, you can insert OLE objects into the following 2D file types:

OLE object creation and editing capabilities apply to Windows only.

A linked object is a file created outside of, and then linked into Creo Parametric. A picture, linked to the file, appears in your drawing. Any changes to the external file are reflected in your drawing and changes that you make to the object from within Creo Parametric are saved to the original object.

An embedded object is saved completely within a Creo Parametric drawing file and contains no links to an external file. When you insert an object as embedded, the file is copied and placed into your document. You can still activate the object from within Creo Parametric using the program that created it. Any changes that are made to the original external file are not reflected in the embedded copy. You can also create a new object (one that has no external file reference) as an embedded object. New objects you create within Creo Parametric are always embedded.

You can plot OLE objects in the Drawing mode. The following drivers support printing of OLE objects:

You can print OLE objects in the graphics mode with OpenGL or GDI, on Windows.