Illustrator is embedding my links

[Greg_L]

Hello,

I am working on a piece of artwork, and every time I place a link (ai., TIFF etc) it links, but when I save, close it down and reopen it, the links become embedded. I try to relink them which works, but the same keeps happening when I close it down.

I have made sure I have selected the links option when saving my file and had a look online, but nowhere seems to have the solution to this? On some of my files, the links work fine, but when me and my colleague tried it again on the newest software version, the links don't stay.

Please could you advise me on how I can resolve this so that my links stay on my file?

Thank you,

Emily Alldis

[Monika Gause]

So when placing an image, the option "Link file" is active?

When you save the AI file, is the option "include images" selected? Because this option embeds linked files.

[Greg_L]

Yes, when placing an image, the 'link file' option is active.

When saving the ai. file, the 'include linked files' is active - I can't see an option for 'include images' however?

[hammer0909 · Accepted solution]

This is a confusing option that often gets people confused. When you save an Illustrator file, the option "Include Linked Files" should really say "Embed Links" because that's really what it does. If you're trying to save your Illustrator file with links to placed graphics maintained, you want the "Include Linked Files" option unchecked.

[engrainc53011710]

I have unchecked this box but it is still embedding. Any other potential fixes?

[Monika Gause]

engrainc53011710  schrieb

I have unchecked this box but it is still embedding. Any other potential fixes?

Please describe your complete process step by step.

Which file format do you save?

Old file/new file?

Where do you save?

Any error messages when you open the file?

[engrainc53011710]

I have started over from scratch with a new file in AI. I try to place a JPG file and it automatically is embedded. I am saving as AI in the latest CC. No error messages when I open the file. I'm saving to DropBox but happens when I save to my desktop as well. I am on a Mac OS 10.10.5.

Thanks for your time and help!!!

[engrainc53011710]

Also, this is a relatively new problem. I'm not sure when it began, but just in the past few weeks. My Ai is 21.1.0... and it says it's updated to the latest version with no updates available.

[Monika Gause]

Exactly how do you place the file? Via the File > Place dialog box?

[engrainc53011710]

Yes... thanks!

[Monika Gause]

So when you use File > Place and even when the option "Linked" is checked, the file gets embedded?

When did you last restart the computer?

Maybe the prefs need to be reset.

[engrainc53011710]

I did restart the computer again earlier to see if that would help but still the same outcome. But OMG you're right... "link" wasn't checked!!! Now it works. I can't believe that I never thought to look at the 'place' box before but now it's clear.

Thanks SO MUCH for your time and help!!! What a relief!