How to Use the Linked Objects Feature in Google Docs to Update Charts

The Problem with Static Charts

If you are writing an annual financial report in Google Docs, you will likely need to include several pie charts and bar graphs to illustrate the company’s revenue. Typically, you build these charts in Google Sheets, take a screenshot or copy the image, and paste the static picture into your Google Doc.

However, financial data changes constantly. If your accounting team updates the master Google Sheet to reflect a late expense on Thursday afternoon, the static picture you pasted into your Google Doc on Wednesday is now completely wrong. You have to delete the old image, copy the new chart from Sheets, and paste it back into Docs, hoping you didn’t forget any other charts.

To solve this nightmare, Google Workspace includes the Linked Objects feature. This allows you to embed a living, breathing chart directly from Google Sheets into your Google Doc. When the data in the spreadsheet changes, the chart in your document updates with a single click.

Step 1: Creating the Chart in Google Sheets

Before you can link an object, it must exist in Google Sheets.

1. Open your master data spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Highlight your data and click Insert > Chart.
3. Format the chart exactly how you want it to look (colors, labels, titles).

Once the chart is perfect, click on the chart to select it, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on a Mac) to copy it to your clipboard.

Step 2: Pasting and Linking in Google Docs

Now, switch over to your Google Doc.

1. Click the exact location in your document where you want the chart to appear.
2. Press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V) to paste the chart.

A crucial dialog box will instantly appear on your screen titled “Paste chart.” You have two options:

• Link to spreadsheet: (This is the default and the one you want).
• Paste unlinked: (This creates a dead, static image).

Make sure “Link to spreadsheet” is selected and click Paste. The chart will appear in your document. In the top-right corner of the chart, you will see a small, gray “Link” icon, confirming that it is actively connected to the source file.

Step 3: Updating the Chart

Now, let’s assume a week goes by. The accounting team goes into the Google Sheet and changes the Q4 Revenue from $50,000 to $90,000. The chart inside the Google Sheet will instantly redraw itself to reflect the massive new number.

When you open your Google Doc, the chart will still show the old data at first. However, Google Docs will detect the discrepancy. A massive button labeled UPDATE will appear in the top-right corner of the chart.

Simply click the UPDATE button. The chart will instantly redraw itself inside your document to perfectly match the newest data in the spreadsheet. You don’t have to copy, paste, or delete anything.

Step 4: Managing Linked Objects

If you have a 50-page document containing 20 different linked charts, scrolling through every page looking for “UPDATE” buttons is tedious.

Instead, you can manage them all from one central menu.

1. In the top menu bar of Google Docs, click Tools.
2. Select Linked objects.

A sidebar will open on the right side of your screen. This sidebar lists every single linked chart and table currently embedded in your document. If multiple charts are out of date, you will see an Update All button at the bottom of the sidebar, allowing you to instantly synchronize your entire 50-page report with the latest data in a single click.