Add a Sound to Any File
| A reader writes: In the June 2000 issue you tackle the problem of minimizing all open windows at once. Your solution—placing the Show Desktop icon in the toolbar—is fine, but I have an even easier one. Hold down the window key (that’s the one with the Windows icon next to one of the Alt keys) and press M. It brings you immediately to the desktop. |
Q. I understand that it’s possible to insert a sound—even my own voice—in either a Word or Excel file. That would be very handy. I could make a comment about some information and the person I send it to could hear my explanation. However, I can’t figure out how to do it. Can you help?
A. You’re correct—you can add sound to any file as long as your computer has a sound card, and most of today’s systems do. And if your system has a microphone attached, you can even add a personal comment by recording it. Here’s how to add sound to any file.
Say you have a collection of sound files already stored in your computer and you want to add one—applause, say—to complement a particularly good sales figure in a spreadsheet. While you’re in the file, position your cursor where you want the sound to be available. Then go to the toolbar and click Insert, Object, which brings up the Object screen and click on Create from File tab and scroll down to Wave Sound.
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| If you don’t know where the sound file is situated, click on Browse. |
If you don’t know the location of the sound wave file, click on Browse. Once you find it, highlight it and click OK.
If, on the other hand, you want to create your own sound wave, using your microphone, click on Create New and a Sound Object screen will appear.
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Then record and name your message and follow the steps above for Create from File, inserting it into the document. Be sure to check the Link to file and Display as icon boxes. Also, notice the other options in the menu. You also can insert a video clip, a Paintbrush picture and a QuickTime movie, among others.
Once installed, the sound wave icon will appear in the document. To evoke the sound, click on it.
