Links and Connections are both used to connect data sources in the Workiva platform and can perform many of the same functions. Generally speaking, however, links offer more flexibility and the ability to update individual datapoints while connections are better suited for maintaining larger and more consistent datasets.
Links
Links are used to connect individual cells, or a range of cells, between documents. This is useful when you want to reference specific data points across different files and maintain your formatting throughout. For example, you might link a cell containing one datapoint in a source spreadsheet to a cell in a report filing. Given the high number of links supported per document, this feature accommodates a multitude of granular, cell-level connections.
Linking resources:
- What is Linking?
- Create a link
- Link and publish in Presentations
- Link and publish in Documents
- Link and publish in Spreadsheets
Connections
Connections, on the other hand, are better suited for connecting entire sheets or datasets. When a connection is established between a source and destination sheet, any existing data in the destination sheet is completely replaced. As compared to links, this feature supports a much lower number of maximum connections per spreadsheet, making it better suited for whole datasets or recurring data transfers.
Connections are also preferred for Wdata or GRC customers who need to connect to data derived from queries, tables, or reports.
Connections resources:
- Connect sheets to source or destination spreadsheets
- Connect sheets to source Wdata queries
- Connect sheets to destination Wdata tables
- Connect sheets to source Reports