Missing Linked Files

[flaviob60082942]

I have to open a PDF file with Illustrator to modify some vectors but apparently there are no linked images. Opening the same file with Acrobat, however, I see all the images! Why?

[Doug A Roberts]

Images are embedded in the PDF side of the file. If you open the Illustrator side, it'll look for the links.

[flaviob60082942]

Ok .. but if Acrobat shows me the images .. somewhere there are! Why can't I also open them in Illustrator? And how do I explain it to the client who gave me the file?

[Monika Gause]

Please see this video about how Illustrator saves its files: How Illustrator saves files - YouTube

It also has the method to get at your images: you need to place the file in Illustrator.

[jane-e]

Hi

If your client wants you to edit the vectors and if the vectors were created in Illustrator, can they send you the Illustrator file?

Was the file created in Illustrator? What settings were used to make the PDF? When you look in File > Properties > Description, what does it say for the creation package?

~ Jane

[flaviob60082942]

It seems that the file was created with an old version of Illustrator.. and contains links to images I don't have. So what should I do? Do I have to ask the client to give me the PDF file with embedded images?

[Monika Gause]

Please see #3

[jane-e]

Hi

Newer versions of Illustrator included Package (File menu). If it’s an older version, it’s manual.

They have to send you what you need if they want you to work on their files, and from what you say, you are missing some things.

~ Jane

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

The PDF file contains embedded images for showing the PDF, but when you edit in Illustrator, you get back exactly how the file was made in Illustrator, and images that were originally linked go back to being linked. This is by design and cannot be turned off. You NEED those original images; the images in the PDF are no good to you at all.

[Doug A Roberts]

They might be, if you're doing a hack job

[CHMprepress]

Simply ask for the linked files.

If you need to work on the native data you need all files and fonts.