Illustrator files losing links when opened in another computer

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
June 26, 2019
5 replies
9307 views

I am having trouble in opening files created or edited in other computers, it doesn't open with images that my cooworkers have linked. In the computer they created the file it opnes junt fine, but in other ones, the missing link message appears. We always save the images and the file in the shared disk.

If anyone knows why this is happening, it will help a lot, as we lose a lot of time relinking all images.

{Renamed by MOD}

missing links

Correct answer barbara_a7746676

Linked images must always be kept in the same folder relationship to the Illustrator file when transferring from one computer to another.

A simple solution is to File > Package before transferring to another computer. That way all links will be replicated.

Another option would be to embed the linked graphics before transferring, if that would be acceptable in your workflow.

rane64863595

Participant

It took me ages to solve this, it was the most annoying thing. (Adobe support couldn't help with it)

When saving a file in Illustrator, use Save As, choose the location, and in this window make sure to tick the box: "Include Linked Files".

That's it 🙂

Monika Gause

Community Expert

Don't do that, because it will embed the file into the AI file.

rane64863595

Participant

You're right, my mistake 😞 (couldn't delete the comment)

The only solution I've found is to have the AI file together with the linked files.
It's very annoying, it has to be another solution.

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

Another option would be to create a folder named Links next to the Illustrator file and put the linked images in there.

Illustrator will always look for a folder with that name when it is searching for linked images.

gabrielab44100610Author

Participant

That's nice! Thank you!

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

I can't test if it works on a shared disk, but I cannot see a reason why not.

Srishti Bali

Legend

Hi Gabriela,

Thanks for reaching out. Missing links is an expected behaviour if the files are not sent as a package on different systems as mentioned by Barbara and Bill.

Packaging allows you to gather the files you’ve used, including fonts (except Chinese, Korean, and Japanese) and linked graphics, for easy handoff.

I would request if you can check out this helps article for more details: Package files in Illustrator.

Regards,

Srishti

gabrielab44100610Author

Participant

Thank you!

Bill Silbert

Community Expert

Are you trying to link to the shared disk or have you brought the images onto your hard drive? If you are trying to link to a shared server that is probably the problem as Illustrator does not do well over a network. Do as Barbara suggested above. Package the files and work locally.