Illustrator not updating links automatically

[jodyradzik]

I recall that once upon a time when your file was missing links, if you relinked one file, Illustrator would find all the other linked files in that folder and ask you if you wanted to relink them. Now, Illustrator can only seem to find just the file you are seeking to relink. If I have a file linked twice in a document, Illustrator only relinks one of them, even through they are identical. What happened to this very important time-saving feature? I've been using this application professionally since Illustrator 88, and while it's come a very long way since then, in the last few years it appears to be regressing instead of progressing with the above mentioned example as proof.

{Renamed by MOD}

[Ashutosh_Mishra]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. Would you mind sharing the version of OS and Illustrator?
Also, I'd recommend checking out Update Links option under Preference > File handling & Clipboard and make sure it is set properly as per your requirement.

I am also attaching a screenshot for your reference:

Let us know if it helps.

Regards,

Ashutosh

[ingelablack]

I have also problems with missing linked files.

(I had a long time ago uncheck  the new the includ linked files) 

I checked above preterences, they are the same as yours suggested, so not solution for me..

I have windows 10, and it is uneven issue. I have files on computer. I am used to organizing work around this link problem and I probably challenge the illustrator with amount of linked files and pages.. 

[defaultkn6akcc2qjza]

Hello,

I have the same problem. I tried the suggestion in Preferences as you mentioned, but no luck. I am running Illustrator 2020 on Mac High Sierra 10.13.6. This would be very helpful to figure out!

Thanks

[defaultkn6akcc2qjza]

I believe I may have figured out my mistake, I was using a new version of Illustrator and hadn't clicked the "link" checkbox in the Finder when Placing a file. Then after clicking "link" for the first time, subsequent times it was highlighted by default. Hopefully this is helpful to the other posters.

[carolineu16602661]

This fixed my problem, thank you !!!

[Jools808080]

Thanks, this was the problem.

I believe it is misleading that a placed file is called "linked" in Illustrator even when it is not, in fact, linked at all. Selecting a placed object and clicking on the file name in the top left corner lists the option to "Relink" suggesting that a link exists when this is not the case. Some UI homework for Adobe I believe.

[Maria3B]

Where do these settings live now in Illustrator v23?  they are not on this screen and I can't find them. 

[Met1]

[Maria3B]

Thank you, I missed that little box. 

[alpinemice]

Agreed... this is basic functionality, and the community shouldn't have to highlight the issue to get it repaired.

Now, the Link pallet refuses to allow you to click the "Edit Original" button, and once you go manually find and save it, Illustrator fails to let you know it's been changed, it refuses to allow you to use the "Update Link" buttton, forcing you to re-link the file, but once you've relinked the file once, you need to close the document, because you can't relink the same file multiple times.

If you can't keep the core function of the programs working, then don't add new functions. This is a major drain on my time.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @alpinemice,

I'm sorry to hear about the frustrations you're experiencing with the Link panel and the "Edit Original" and "Update Link" buttons in Illustrator. This functionality is indeed critical for a smooth workflow.

We are actively investigating such issues. To help us address this more effectively, could you provide the following details:

• The exact version of Illustrator you're using
• Your operating system version
• Whether this issue occurs with all files or specific ones

Additionally, a screen recording demonstrating the issue would be very helpful.

We appreciate your patience and feedback as we work to resolve this.

Best regards,

Anshul Saini