I did restart the computer again earlier to see if that would help but still the same outcome. But OMG you're right... "link" wasn't checked!!! Now it works. I can't believe that I never thought to look at the 'place' box before but now it's clear. Thanks SO MUCH for your time and help!!! What a relief! ... View more

Yes... thanks! ... View more

Also, this is a relatively new problem. I'm not sure when it began, but just in the past few weeks. My Ai is 21.1.0... and it says it's updated to the latest version with no updates available. ... View more

I have started over from scratch with a new file in AI. I try to place a JPG file and it automatically is embedded. I am saving as AI in the latest CC. No error messages when I open the file. I'm saving to DropBox but happens when I save to my desktop as well. I am on a Mac OS 10.10.5. Thanks for your time and help!!! ... View more

I have unchecked this box but it is still embedding. Any other potential fixes? ... View more

Thanks for trying but even unchecked, it is still automatically embedding. ... View more