Relinking files now embeds them

[julio-miles]

I have started experiencing this issue recently -- I have EPS files linked in a document but when I try to relink one of them with a different EPS file, Illustrator embeds that EPS file into my document, instead of keeping it as a linked file. I haven't had any issues with this in the past (they're product dielines and the EPS files are barcodes), it seems to have started with a recent update perhaps. Any suggestions eagerly welcomed!

[julio-miles]

I've also confirmed that when I try to relink an EPS file with a different file type, Illustrator also embeds the new file instead of preserving it as a link.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

What are the options set to when you place a file into a new document? Is Link checked or unchecked?

[julio-miles]

That was it! Thank you so much, this has been a major issue for the past few weeks. Never thought of checking in the Place dialog, it's frustrating that the Link preference isn't also surfaced in the Links panel or the Illustrator Preferences, since it apparently affects other actions than just placing a new file in a document.

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that helped. Yes the option is sticky and easy to forget when set.

You may want to make a feature request here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com