Important:
I have a proposal workbook that contains a phantom link that I cannot break. It is associated with an imported spreadsheet(s) into my workbook.
- When you break a link to the source workbook of an external reference, all formulas that use the value in the source workbook are converted to their current values. For example, if you break the link to the external reference =SUM([Budget.xls]Annual!C10:C25), the SUM formula is replaced by the calculated value—whatever that may be. Also, because this action cannot be undone, you may want to save a version of the destination workbook as a backup.
- If you use an external data range, a parameter in the query may be using data from another workbook. You may want to check for and remove any of these type of links.
Break a link
- On the Data tab, in the Connections group, click Edit Links.Note: The Edit Links command is unavailable if your file does not contain linked information.
- In the Source list, click the link that you want to break.
- To select multiple linked objects, hold down the CTRL key, and click each linked object.
- To select all links, press Ctrl+A.
- Click Break Link.
Delete the name of a defined link
If the link used a defined name, the name is not automatically removed. You may want to delete the name as well, by following these steps:
- On the Formulas tab, in the Defined Names group, click Name Manager.
- In the Name Manager dialog box, click the name that you want to change.
- Click the name to select it.
- Click Delete.
- Click OK.
Need more help?
You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community, get support in the Answers community, or suggest a new feature or improvement on Excel User Voice.
Home > Document > Excel > Where are Edit Links and Break Links in Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365
Where are Edit Links and Break Links in Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365
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If you need to update or delete links that connect your spreadsheet and other files, the Edit Links command may ease your work. The Edit Links command enables you to view and edit all the other files your spreadsheet is linked to. Here we will provide two methods to find out the Edit links command in Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365.
Familiar way to apply Edit Links and Break Links if you have Classic Menu for Office
If you have installed Classic Menu for Office, you will discover the Edit Links and Break Links commands stay in a familiar environment. There are two methods:
Method A: Find out the Edit Links and Break Links command from Edit menus
- Click the Menus tab;
- Click the Edit drop down menu;
- Then you will view the Edit Links to Files, as the figure we show you at the right side:
Please note that the Edit Links to Files item is gray and invalid if there is no link referring to other files.
The Break Links is not in the Edit drop down menu list, but stays in the Edit Link dialog box which can be opened by clicking the Edit Links to Files item.
If you click the Edit Links item, the Edit Links dialog box will come out as figure 2 shows. In this Edit Links dialog box, you can easily break links. You can also update links, change links source, and check links' status.
Figure 2: the Edit Links dialog box
Method B: Find out Edit Links and Break Links features in Data Menu:
- Click the Data drop down menu under Menus tab;
- Click the Connections item;
- Then you will view the Edit Links command in the sub-item list, as the figure 1 shows.
Figure 3: Get Edit Links command from Classic Menu
If you click the Edit Links item, the Edit Links dialog box will come out as figure 2 shows.You are able to break links in the Edit Links dialog box.
Seek for Edit Links and Break Links commands in Ribbon if you do not have Classic Menu for Office
- Click the Data tab;
- Go to the Connections group;
- Then you will view the Edit Links button.
Figure 4: Get Edit Links button from Ribbon
If you click the Edit Links button, you will view the Edit Links dialog box as figure 2 shows. The Break Links feature stays in the Edit Links dialog box. In the Edit Links dialog box, you can view, change, update, and break links as you required.
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