Opening Illustrator files duplicates linked images

[default39dac83u3sxu]

Hi All, when opening multiple illustrator files with large linked images, Illustrator seems to replicate and position (and scaled) images from within the file, sometimes even duplicating existing links. Each link in the file is accompanied by an extra image which Illustrator prompts to be relinked upon opening the file. This has only started occuring after updating Illustrator to 27.4.1.

Wondering if any one else has this issue and hoping this bug gets fixed.

Thanks

[Matt.T.]

Just to add: this problem even occurs when working with files which are wholly local (eg. file bundles Packaged and supplied by client which are on my Desktop), in fact even when the links are in the same folder as the Illustrator file. Once those files are re-saved locally they become fine, and there's no limit to how many I can have open at once... though obviously this is just a (mostly impractical) temporary workaround rather than an actual fix.

Still waiting for Adobe to address this glaring issue...

[Gabrielle23045253fafu]

All of my links are always saved locally to my laptop. They are not linking to any cloud or network server. 

OS version has since been updated to Sonoma (previously Ventura) and using Illustrator 2024. We have since reverted back to previous versions of Illustator when this didn't happen as often.

[meredithm8209998]

Hi all - I just wanted to add that in January 2024, this issue still exists. The solution that has been "marked as resolved" did not work for me. The only working solution has been to use 2021 Illustrator, which I thankfully still have installed. I realize this is not a solution available to many others. Adobe really needs to sort this out, as the solution to "only have 1 file open at a time" is not a viable solution for the type of work that my company does.

[adrian capps]

I work in packaging design and therefore need to a number of .ai files open at once. I have been having the same problem mentioned here and it does not seem to make any difference where the files are located, server or desktop. However the one place this is not a problem is if your .ai are saved to your Adobe Cloud Drive, the linked files can remain on your desktop. As this is not the way most of us work this is not really a solution.

[Rob30475865wopx]

Hello, i'm seeing this happen with several people and to a lot of files at the moment. It seems to have got worse with the latest release of Illustrator v 28.1. This is all macOS users on any of Monterey, Ventura or Sonoma.

Question here - are any of the people being affected also on macos and using the Monotype desktop app?

[default1vj7jsou9kzj]

My whole agency has been having this issue for around a year now. We switched to Monotype last summer around the same time it started happening so not sure if it was a coincidence but interesting that you raised it.

This issue alone is accountable to a lot of people's late finishes atm

[slide_lewy]

hmm, that's interesting, we installed the Monotype app a while ago to test using their system, I can't remember exactly if this issue on my machine cropped up then, but I've deleted Monotype a while ago, and probably since then the issue hasn't cropped again, so it could be the Monotype app somehow. 

[Danny35637250g9ey]

Come on, Adobe — fix this please. Still an issue. What's the solution?

[Angus Hume]

I just had this happen for the first time, all files were downloaded and in a local folder. Closing other open files first solved the issue. I do have the Monotype app, but I did not look into that. Disabling file open preference did not help.  

[KURT6C29]

Are you running Monotype desktop font app? Someone else thought that this might be partly responsibly for the issue we are seeing. 

[adrian capps]

I work in packaging design and therefore need to a number of .ai files open at once. I have been having the same problem mentioned here and it does not seem to make any difference where the files are located, server or desktop. However the one place this is not a problem is if your .ai are saved to your Adobe Cloud Drive, the linked files can remain on your desktop. As this is not the way most of us work this is not really a solution.

[mikeicon]

If I'm following your workflow correctly, you might be using CC File Sync, which is being removed, so Cloud Drive isn't really a linking option anymore anyways.

[pdemya]

Have never had an issue like this until now working with illustrator as a packaging designer in the industry for over 15 years. Feels like Adobes products are pushing looking backwards. 1 file open at a time? Locally stored images? Cmon. What are you doing Adobe? Fix it! Your products should be MORE intutive and streamlined, not archaic and cumbersome. Waiting with anticipation for a competitive software to arrive... 

[mattt64986283]

Out of interest, have you recently installed or started using Monotype Server? Only because a few people on this thread have mentioned it. 

[mikeicon]

We've switched to Monotype Fonts, but I've not been able to do testing to isolate it as a variable.

[Ajman376932208rwc]

Opening Illustrator files with linked images can sometimes result in duplicate instances of those images within the document. This duplication occurs because Illustrator automatically embeds linked images into the file upon opening, rather than simply referencing the original linked files. This behavior can lead to larger file sizes and potential confusion when managing assets.

To address this issue, users can adjust their Illustrator settings to prevent automatic embedding of linked images or manually remove duplicate instances after opening the file. Additionally, practicing efficient file management techniques, such as organizing linked assets in a centralized folder and updating links as needed, can help streamline the workflow and minimize duplication.

Meanwhile, individuals searching for a villa for rent in Ajman have numerous options available, with the city offering a range of properties to suit various preferences and budgets. Ajman's vibrant real estate market presents opportunities for renters to find their ideal villa, whether they seek waterfront views, spacious interiors, or convenient access to amenities.