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Participant
July 29, 2011
Answered

Delete missing link from AI file

  • 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.

    12 replies

    Participant
    August 31, 2011

    Looks like what you have to do is find the layer that the objects are linked to and trash the layers...  They may be on layers you're not using or have turned off so you have to check them all...

    Participant
    March 19, 2013

    I have the same problem as the OP. All I want to do is remove the links. The linked files are long gone and have no value anyway. I can't delete layers of the image, because they =are= needed. Adobe didn't see fit to put a trash can at the bottom of the links window, how do we delete the links, and only the links?

    Participant
    September 23, 2013

    I was having the same issue and could not "unlock" or drag the broken links to the trash can. My solution was to update the links to an existing image file, and then delete the image from the artboard. That removed it from the link panel for me.

    _scott__
    Legend
    July 29, 2011

    Is it present in the Links Panel? Drag it to the trash icon on the panel.

    Participant
    July 30, 2011

    There isn't any trash icon in the panel window. Only four options are available: relink, go to link, update link and edit original and only the first two are active.

    _scott__
    Legend
    July 30, 2011

    Okay... click the second from the left button.. that will take you tot he place on the artboard where the linked file is. Then you can select and delete it.