Links in AI issues

[TheHappyPrinters]

I am wondering if anyone has had an issue with links not updating correctly in AI?

I have a workflow where I have take print ready AI artwork in single page format into an AI PDF for a print imposition and diecutting. I have to use AI because the diecutting unit is operated from an AI extension. So to speed things up I use "Links" to avoid movement and scale issues, it works pretty well with no issues up to date.

I have rarely ever had to make post approval edits but recently I made an edit to the original print ready file and saved it. Then opened the multi-up AI diecutting/printing PDF template and the "Links" automatically updated and I saw this because I checked each image to ensure the edit had carried over, it had, then I hit save and closed the PDF file. I then noticed the modification date had not changed from previous. I opened the PDF in AI again and the edits were still in place, I closed said file and opened it in Acrobat, the edits were no longer in place, the file looked exactly as it did prior to my edits. I closed the PDF in Acrobat and opened again in AI, edits are done, the "Links" appear as the edited AI file shows. I "Save As" and overwrite the PDF template, then open in Acrobat. New PDF looks fine. Edits are showing. It was a little thing but wondered if this has affected anyone else?

[Monika Gause]

So basically tehe AI part of the file and the PDF part of the file had different content?

Just so we're on the same page: this is how Illustrator saves files: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpDh8Y7q8yE

But the process can go wrong. When you save to a networked server or when "Save in background" is turned on or for other reasons.

Also: how is the file handling of updated links set up in your Illustrator?

And when did you last reboot the computer?

[TheHappyPrinters]

So basically tehe AI part of the file and the PDF part of the file had different content?

Yes, the PDF is print/cut template that I use linked new AI files to replace art for simple positioning. Yes this is also saved to a network server. 

Thank you Monika! I guess "Save As" is the best option

[Mike_Gondek]

You should always make your post approval edits to the .ai file , then make a new pdf. PDF restructures the file making everything from type to image updates more difficult. If your client has a second round of post approval edits, your original master .ai file not onger matches the approved art, your workflow is not good for providing reliable revisions to your consumer.

If the modification date had not changed, you likely have more than one file and are saving to the cloud or somewhere else.