Illustrator not embedding images by default

[Kabboroo]

Hi

Previously, images were embedded by default, but recently I have had an issue where images are not being embedded in files.  I have several files that are ongoing and I add to /alter frequently.

Is there an option to always embed by default in new files?  Also, is there a way to go back to existing files and set it to embed automatically?

I have Illustrator 2020 on Windows 10.

[Ton Frederiks]

It is a switch, when you place a file and uncheck the Link option when selecting a file, it will remember that for future files when placed.

[ONult]

where do you go to change this? Apparently I have sent it some number of years ago and would like to change it.

[Jacob Bugge]

ONult,

Just as Ton said: select the file to place, then check or uncheck the Link checkbox as desired.

[Ton Frederiks]

And on a Mac you need to have clicked the Options option to see that option.

[Jacob Bugge]

A complete answer rhyme, Ton.

[Ton Frederiks]

🙂

[Ton Frederiks]

And if you want to embed linked images in existing files, you can select them all in the Links panel and choose Embed. 

[mmiummiu]

Same issue four years later - all my drag-and-drop images appear linked, I just realized. Workfiles by other colleagues were appearing broken when I realized I produce the exact same broken files.

The solution is actually to hold shift while placing with drag and drop, apparently that embeds an image file. But I can't find a way to make this default.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

I cannot find a way for drag and drop.

You could make the Shift drag a habit or remember to select all and select  Embed Image(s) from the Links panel menu before saving.