Participant

Answered

Delete missing link from AI file

Forum|Forum|14 years ago
July 29, 2011
12 replies
73200 views

How do I delete a missing, unwanted linked file from an AI file? The referenced link is completely gone and is not needed. It can't be relinked or removed since it no longer exists. It is has been a phantom for as long as I have been using the AI file and I would like to clear the "Could not find the linked file" pop up every time I load the AI file. Any suggestions?

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer joannek836

there is another way to clear the unwanted or missing that is no longer needed in AI.

1. Select the missing/unwanted link from the link window then select 'Go To Link'(second button from the left)and it will show you where is the location of the missing link.

2. Then go to edit and then select 'clear'

then it will clear up the missing/unwanted link from your link window.

S

SundayGladiator

Legend

Glad I found the answer here.

But tbh, it's on extra step users should not have to do. I had at least a dozen image links that I knew were no longer in the AI file and I wanted them obliterated in one fell 'Delete All' swoop.

But alas no, I had to hit the 'Go to Link' icon FOR EACH AND EVERY LINK. And after twenty or so clicks, I got through them all.

Technote UX fix for the next AI update. 🙂

Monika Gause

Community Expert

Technote UX fix for the next AI update. 🙂

By @SundayGladiator

This is a public forum with 95% of people being not even staff.

If you want to bring something to the attention of the developers, I would suggest posting it to https://illustrator.uservoice.com

S

SundayGladiator

Legend

Thank you!

V

varun8184

Participant

In my case, i clicked on "Go to link" but it showed but only preview bound. I used edit > clear but nothing happened.
It wouldn't showed in layer panel, also.

So, These steps helped me 🙂 (after a lots of frustration)

1. Unhide all layers.

Go to "Object > Show All" or Press Alt+ (ctrl /cmd) + 3.

2. Select missing link.

"Windows > Links ". Select missing link and "Go to link"

3. Press delete or Edit > clear.

Hope this will help.

E

Eva2342921665rt

Participant

Hi Everyone,

Although the answer below did not work for me, a variation did! Once you click to Go to Link, go to layers and see the layer with the missing link is highlighted as selected. Just delete the layer — all set!

R

ryanm73307219

Participant

Hey Adobe, this has been around for long enough... a decade! Please put a trash can in the bottom of the links panel. Clear doesn't work when following these steps.

bartolinidezinco

Inspiring

This only works if the linked file is still on your machine. If you've deleted it, AI has nothing to point to - and you're still unable to delete the link. P.S. to the other guy - there is no "trash can" icon in the links panel.

J

Jnz77

Participating Frequently

workaround:
1. select all missing links of the removed nonexisting files,
2. click on 'relink' (browse for a placeholder file to replace the missing files to)
3. click on 'go to link' (it will select the resurrected placeholder files now)

4. hit delete

E

Eric Jay Toll

Known Participant

Why would Adobe have an "unlink" or "delete link" option? That would be logical and convenient.

Here's a four-step trick I found for Illustrator CC 2018:

1. Select "Relink" and pick any file that you can reach. Then click "Okay."

2. Make sure that you bring the new file onto the artboard so it shows up on layers. Select the newly linked file.

3. Change from Link to Embed

4. With the artwork selected, click delete. Both the link and the artwork will be gone.

Of course, Adobe could just add a trash can to the icons at the bottom of links, but that would be too simple.

D

displaced7

Inspiring

Yup, I also wonder why Adobe hasn't fixed this yet. In 3D programs when there is a missing link the software automatically looks for the file in the root folder. Illustrator can't even recognize the broken linked file when you show it the correct folder, making it even more time consuming to double check file names before relinking (there's not a "correct the link").

It's a pain in the ass to unlock all the files, delete, then repeat.

C'mon Adobe, fix the obvious problems!

joannek836Correct answer

Participant

there is another way to clear the unwanted or missing that is no longer needed in AI.

1. Select the missing/unwanted link from the link window then select 'Go To Link'(second button from the left)and it will show you where is the location of the missing link.

2. Then go to edit and then select 'clear'

then it will clear up the missing/unwanted link from your link window.

I

idoks

Known Participant

My problem is that the "missing" linked file repeats itself above the artboard every time I edit the text. I can't clear them all, I need them, and I for some reason when I try to relink the file from the CC Library it says "select a graphic to relink" and then when I move the cursor above them the text disappear and when I click the file it does nothing.

X

xslcx

Participant

Click on Object>Show All from top menu. Now you can see and select the empty container or embedded images or links that show up, and hit delete.

D

deslie

Participant

The "Object > Show All" is the answer for broken/missing link that is unclickable/undraggable and can't delete for unknown reason. thank u

Cesxx

Participant

OMG! You're a life saver 🙂 Thanks!

Thera

Participant

An easier way I just discovered for Adobe Illustrator CC:

* click Window - Links (to open Link window)

* click 3rd icon from the left "Go To Link" option (this shows you the selection of what's missing on the artboard)

* press Delete key on your keyboard to delete missing from the artboard (this will automatically delete its link in the Link window)

* save file

Tada!

uhebeisen

Participant

I have almost the same problem and I couldn't solve it. Problem is that I have deleted the layer(s) that had the linked files in it. The images are scanned artwork and after placing them in the layer I draw the shapes as an Illustrator vector file. When everything is done I delete the layers with the scanned files.

Since I'm working with custom patterns and brushes usually I copy such a file and start a new project. Now if I check the link window there are 5 linked images from a previous project. Until now I couldn't delete these links. If I handle such a project file over to my customer he always gets these error messages that the linked file couldn't be found. Sure he can check to ignore them all but it doesn't look very professional that way.

How can I get rid of these brocken links?

irenekorovchenko

Participant

Thanks! This actions work. But I have to do something more. Firstly, click Object - Unlock All, and, secondly, click Object - Show All. Then you could go to link and delete it. If it doesn't work - relink on something else to see linked file and delete the link finally. Hope it will help. Best regards!

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