You can create links from multiple source spreadsheets or tables to a single table cell in your document, and even add XBRL to it. This is known as subcell linking. Intra-document subcell links will then update in real time as changes are made to the source link — just like standard intra-document destination links.
Requirements
You can only create links to cell contents in document and presentation table cells at this time.
Watch a video
Linking in a cell
To create a link inside a table cell:
- Select the numeric data you wish to use as a source and copy it using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C.
- Double-click the destination table cell to edit that cell.
- Paste the copied data into the destination cell with the shortcut Ctrl+V to create the link. This link appears in gray until you exit the cell.
You can add text or other information around the new link, or add more links to the same destination cell.
If you make changes to a cell with links, those changes will instantly apply within the current document, but must be published before they flow to other destinations. For more information on publishing links in tables, see Linking and Publishing in Spreadsheets.
Remove links in a cell
To delete a single link from a cell with multiple links:
- Double-click the cell to edit that cell.
- Select the linked content and press Delete on your keyboard.
- Confirm to delete the selected link.
You can delete all links inside a cell by selecting the cell, right-clicking, and choosing Remove Links.
XBRL tags and range links
You can link multiple sources to a single cell using either normal links or range links.
- Select a destination cell within a range link.
- Right-click the cell and select Override links from the menu.
- Paste the source link into the overridden cell.
You can then add XBRL tags.
FAQ
Why are some of my older intra-document subcell links not updating in real time?
This is a consequence of an April 2025 update we made to subcell links. Prior to this date, subcell links within the same document would not update in real time as changes were made. This means any subcell links created before this change must still be published in order to reflect the latest updates.
So if you notice some subcell links not updating as expected within your document, simply publish the source link. This will "fix" the subcell link so that all future intra-document edits are received in real time.