How do I add pictures to a Tedds for Word document?

When using Tedds for Word you have the flexibility to include pictures from almost any third party application.

Insert Object

The preferred method for inserting pictures is to use the Insert Object command. If you have a drawing application supports this method you will be able to edit your drawings and Word will automatically keep its copy up to date. For example you can insert an AutoCAD drawing by using the following steps:

1. Launch Tedds for Word.
2. Word 2002/2003 - On the Insert menu click Insert Object...
3. Word 2007/2010 - On the Insert tab in the Text group click Object.
4. Select the Create from File tab.
5. Browse for the file you want to insert.
6. If you are likely to edit the drawing in the future and you want Word to keep its copy up-to-date check the Link to file option.
7. Click OK.

Inserting a drawing using the Insert Object command will only work if you have the application that created the drawing installed on your computer. The drawing application must also support Object Linking and Embedding (OLE).

Insert File

If you cannot use the Insert Object command but Microsoft Word supports the file format in which your picture is saved, then you can insert the picture directly using the Insert Picture command. For example you can insert a drawing saved in the Windows Metafile format by using the following steps:

1. Launch Tedds for Word.
2. Word 2002/2003 - On the Insert menu click Picture then click From File...
3. Word 2007/2010 - On the Insert tab in the Illustrations group click Picture.
4. Browse for the file you want to insert.
5. Click OK.

The preferred file format for inserting drawings is either Windows Metafile or Windows Enhanced Metafile. These formats are vector image formats that store all the individual lines and shapes that make up the drawing. Vector file formats ensure that Word can display the drawing at the highest quality when it is resized or printed. If your drawing application cannot save your drawings in one of these formats then you can use a raster image format such as Windows Bitmap. Raster file formats store a drawing as thousands of colour pixels, the disadvantage of raster formats is that if you resize or print your drawings the quality can degrade and they may look blocky.

Copy & Paste

If you cannot use the Insert Object command and Microsoft Word does not support the file format in which your drawing is saved, then you can use the Windows clipboard to insert a drawing into your document.

1. Launch Tedds for Word.
2. Open the drawing you want to insert using the application used to create the drawing.
3. Use the drawing application to copy all or part of the drawing to the Windows clipboard.
4. In Tedds for Word Paste the contents of the Windows Clipboard.

Active Sketches

Although Tedds does not include a drawing application it does include a library of functions that allow you to create Active Sketches. These sketches are created directly from input data of your calculations so that elements can be drawn to the correct proportions and typically with key dimensions.