Illustrator keeps embedding images that I had linked

[Michael30621428f7dz]

When I drag and drop an image into Illustrator, the image is linked and not embedded by default. However when I save it and close it and reopen it, the images embed with clipping masks around them. Why does it keep doing this?

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Michael30621428f7dz,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. As I understand, you are linking images into your Illustrator document, and when you open it after a few days, it shows up as embedded. If so, could you confirm the OS/Illustrator version and whether Illustrator behaves this way with all files? Also, are there any specific attributes to the files you're having trouble with (format/file location) that could help us identify the problem?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav

[Michael30621428f7dz]

I edited my post because when I tested it again, when I saved the file and closed it and reopened it today it was embedded again. So it's pretty random when it will do it I guess.

I'm using macOS Sonoma 14.2, Adobe Illustrator 28.1, and the image files are .jpg and .png

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Michael30621428f7dz,

Thanks for sharing the details. Would you mind updating to the latest version of Illustrator (https://adobe.ly/4dCrXaH) and macOS (https://adobe.ly/4dTLXFw) and checking if Illustrator continues to behave this way? Also, check if your files are saved on a removable/network drive or a cloud-synced folder like Dropbox/Google Drive/etc. if so, move them to a local directory like the Desktop/Documents/etc. and share your observations.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav

[Monika Gause]

Looks like saving goes wrong.

Where do you save files?

If not on your desktop, try that.

Also: turn off the option "Save in background" in the preferences. It can cause this unfortunately.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

Make sure you leave "Include Linked Files"  unchecked when saving.

[Michael30621428f7dz]

Thank you!

I was trying to look through my settings and found nothing related. I guess when I open a file I need to do a 'Save As' then uncheck that box, then I can save with linked images.

[Ton Frederiks]

Once they are embedded when the "Include Linked Files" was checked, they will stay embedded.

A Save As does not help since there are no Linked Files anymore.

Replace them Linked or Unembed them to save the file without embedded images.

[Michael30621428f7dz]

Yes, but to get that list of options, I have to do 'Save As' and not a simple 'Save' if I am working on an existing file.

[Ton Frederiks]

Correct, when just hitting save you cannot change it for an existing file.

And when you place a linked file in an already saved file and hit save, it will embed it when the option was checked before.