How to apply the same edit across multiple and separate AI files

[Sun_City]

I have several (too many to do individually) AI files that require the same edit. I need to remove the second layer of the image so that only the first layer shows. How can I do this without having to open, apply the edit, and re-save each individual file? I'm familiar with global editing but not when it comes to AI files that are all in their own separate file. In short; I need to remove the actual photo in each file so that only the line drawing remains. Thank you.

[Monika Gause]

So you need to open a file, select all placed images in it and delete them?

Or is it just some photos, and sometimes they are on locked layers and a couple of other things?

[Sun_City]

Hi Monika, thanks for the reply. I need all of the images to be just line images without the actual product in the background but I have TONS of photos that I have to do this to. I'd like to be able to remove the layer showing the actual product to all files without having to do it individually to each file. 

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

You may try to record an action that deletes the image and use Batch to apply it to a folder of files.

Before recording (and before batch playing the action) you need to have an image on the clipboard.

Easy to do, just create a small object, choose Rasterize and cut the resulting image.

I recorded this with an open file with an image and vector layer.

Start the recording and Paste the image

Choose Select > Same > Appearance

Choose Edit > Clear

Stop the recording and use Batch to apply it to a folder of files.

[Sun_City]

Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking for. 

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that helped.