Link files to a spreadsheet

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to link multiple files in a timeline list to a spreadsheet and share everything in one document. Here’s a simple way to do it.

First, upload all your files whether they’re Word documents, PDFs, or images to a single folder on a cloud storage platform like OneDrive or SharePoint. Once your files are uploaded, you can right-click each file and select “Copy link” to generate a shareable URL. Make sure the sharing permissions are set so that others can view the files, such as choosing “Anyone with the link can view.”

Next, open a new or existing Excel spreadsheet. In the first column, list the timeline dates or events. In the next column, insert the corresponding file links. To do this, click on the desired cell, press Ctrl + K or right-click and select “Link.” Paste the copied URL into the link field, and you can even add a display name to make it more user-friendly. Repeat this for each file you want to link.

Once your timeline with links is complete, save the Excel file in the same OneDrive or SharePoint folder as your uploaded documents. Finally, share the folder with your recipients, ensuring they have access to both the spreadsheet and the linked files.

Just remember: if you move or rename the files later, the links may break. So keep the file names and structure consistent. This method works well for team sharing, tracking progress over time, or simply organizing your documents in one neat, accessible place.

You can link multiple files (PDFs, Word docs, images, etc.) into a timeline-style Excel spreadsheet, then share the entire thing as one cohesive package.

There are a few ways to go about this depending on what you need, so here's the breakdown:

Links in Excel to Other Files (via OneDrive or SharePoint - Cloud-based files)

Upload all your files (PDFs, Word docs, images, etc.) to OneDrive or SharePoint.

Right-click the file → Copy link.

• Choose “Anyone with the link can view” or similar, depending on what you want.

Go to your Excel file → right-click cell → Link (Ctrl + K) → paste the URL.

Link Example > =HYPERLINK("https://yourlink.com", "Meeting Notes")

This works if….

Opens in browser for other users.

Works across devices and platforms.

Doesn’t break as long as permissions and structure stay intact.

Linking to Other Excel Files in OneDrive/SharePoint (Cloud-Based)

You can link cells or ranges from other Excel files hosted on OneDrive or SharePoint.

In your Excel workbook, you can do:

='https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/project/Shared Documents/[OtherWorkbook.xlsx]Sheet1'!A2

This works if….

Both files must be saved to OneDrive/SharePoint.

Users must have access to both files.

The other file must be opened or cached for links to update.

Not work if…

External links might not update in Excel Online (web) — full support is best in desktop Excel.

Breaking changes may happen if file names or locations change

Linking to a Folder in SharePoint or OneDrive

Go to the folder in your browser.

Copy the full SharePoint or OneDrive URL.

Paste it in Excel as a hyperlink.

Example:

=HYPERLINK("https://company.sharepoint.com/sites/project/folder", "Open Folder")

This opens the folder in the browser.

Using Excel Online (Web Excel)

Limited by…

External formula references (='[OtherFile.xlsx]Sheet1'!A1) often don’t work or show errors

Embedding files (like in classic Excel) is not supported.

Hyperlinks Links 🙂

Work with links in Excel

HYPERLINK Function

Excel Hyperlink: how to create, change and remove

Summary:

The text was created with the help of AI.

Ultimately, it's not just what the hyperlink should point to that matters, but also where the hyperlink starts and ends. Therefore, you need to know exactly what the project is going to be, as well as the digital environment, such as the storage medium (OneDrive, SharePoint, hard drive, etc.), the operating system, and the file format.

More information, more precise solution proposal!

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.

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