Get file path for missing links

[Nick24266060nh4o]

I have an .ai file with a broken link to a .pdf, which I would like to make some edits to. I'm assuming that the file is in a folder that was moved around on the office server. When I open link info the "Location" field is blank. I'm less familiar with Illustrator than with Indesign, where you can see the file path that was used for a link even if that link is currently broken. Is there a way to actually see where Illustrator is expecting the pdf so I can get a hint of where I should look?

[Monika Gause]

It should be in the Links panel. If it's not there, then that's it.

When you open the file in Acrobat, do you then see that image? If that is the case you can open the file in Photoshop, go to the images tab and then first open and then save everything you want to have

[Nick24266060nh4o]

It's in the links panel with a broken link symbol beside the name. Your message is very confusing. I can't open the pdf anywhere because I can't find it, and I don't understand where Photohsop even comes into play here.

[Monika Gause]

A lot of AI files have a PDF embedded.

The PDF always has liked files embedded.

Using Photoshop you can extract them.

[CarlosCanto · Accepted solution]

1. go to Links Panel and take a note of the file name

2. go to File->File Info... to open the XMP metadata panel

3. go to the Raw Data section on the left of the panel

4. type the file name from step 1 in the "search box" at top of the Raw Data 

5. that should take you to the Manifest where the missing file information is, including it's location (filePath)

[Nick24266060nh4o]

Perfect, exactly the info I needed.

Can't fathom why Illustrator can't show that in the location field the way Indesign does with broken links.

[Mario Arizmendi]

Wow Carlos

This is very valuable information.... thanks

I am wondering what else can we do with all the information in the raw panel?

[CarlosCanto]

you can find Fonts, Inks used.

[Christopher31164415m6kt]

If you have your Control Dock visible (Window > Control), and you select the missing link on you page, the file name will appear at the left side of the Control Dock. If you hover over that file name, the path will appear as a tool-tip.

[Luckomogigee]

Thanks for this. It's a bit quicker than the "Correct" Answer.