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

[Mike28104192av98]

This bug is STILL persisting in December 2024!! I am using the latest version of AI (as of December 6, 2024) on Windows 10. Of course this occurs with all files because it is a flaw with the software. I have about 20 files all in the same folder and right now I'm having to painstakingly link each of them One.  At.    A.          Time................  I have tried all the tips from this chain and none work. If you think you have a resolution, please post it here with step-by-step instructions on how to fix this. This means have a numeral 1 for step 1, 2 for step 2, and so on. Then I can print it out and post it on my wall. If there is no resolution, I'll try to save the file in Illustrator 5.5 which resides on my Macbook Pro 2015. It will do this seamlessly if it opens. Can you give any tips on how to save back to that (superior) version?

MHBrown

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Mike28104192av98,

I realize how annoying this situation can be. I want to reassure you that the product team is diligently working on a resolution. In the meantime, please consider supporting this UserVoice link for updates on the matter: https://adobe.ly/4ha7LiD.

If you have any additional inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out.​

Anubhav

[tati_valiengo1547]

It's unbelievable. A simple and extremely important function for the normal workflow that has always worked perfectly since the beginning of the software. Not even a file with the same name is automatically linked, that is, if the link is repeated 10 times I have to search for it 10 times. It is March 4, 2025 and the problem has not yet been resolved. My version of Illustrator is 29.3.1. My computer is a Mac mini 2024 and my operating system is Sequoia 15.3.1.

[Ton Frederiks]

Do you check the Apply to All checkbox and click Replace when opening the file?

[Abhisek386542080s9v]

I am also facing same issues. Another issue I am facing also that is adobe fonts. after using in some projects some fonts from adobe fonts they updated or removed the fonts. I am requesting adobe to please work on these issues. 

[Monika Gause]

Some fonts have been removed a couple of years ago, but that was the last time and there is nothing Adobe could do about it. Have you been affected by that?

If yours happened more recently, it's not a removed font, but something differently. Can you describe what happened and the error messages?