When a linked object exists in one client document, it can be inserted in other documents with Copy and Paste (but not Paste Link). For example, suppose that CLIENT1.DOC (see Figure 16) contains Link1, which refers to a bitmap in a graphics file. If Link1 is selected, the Copy command copies Link1, not the bitmap that is the source object. The Paste command then inserts a copy of Link1 (CopyOfLink1) at the current cursor location (CLIENT3.DOC). Like Link1, CopyOfLink1 refers to the original bitmap. If Paste Link is used instead of Paste, a link to (not a copy of) Link1 is inserted (CLIENT2.DOC). This new link (LinkToLink1) refers to Link1, which in turn refers to the original bitmap. Link1, CopyOfLink1, and LinkToLink1 all yield exactly the same visual presentation (a representation of the original bitmap) in their client documents, but Link1 and CopyOfLink1 refer directly to the bitmap, whereas LinkToLink1 refers to the bitmap only indirectly, through Link1.
Figure 16. Transferring links: Paste vs. Paste Link
Just as linked objects can be copied from one location to another with Copy and Paste, they can also be moved with Cut and Paste. In this respect, linked objects behave like all other objects that can be manipulated from the clipboard.