AI files will not import into InDesign

[displaced7]

I have a few very important AI files that I need to import into ID.  I have been using versions of these files for years with no problem but now they will not import.  I get the infamous "Failed to open PDF file".

AI file is the latest CC version, saved with PDF compatibility and ICC profiles.

ID is the latest version.

I tried down saving the AI file to CS6 and using an older ID, but still no go.

What is the problem?  How do I fix this?  It's a 2gb AI file with dozens of layers, it cannot be remade.

[Dov Isaacs]

Try re-opening the .AI file in Illustrator and save a copy as PDF using the PDF/X-4 joboptions (don't convert to CMYK). Place the resultant PDF directly in InDesign.

[displaced7]

I get the same error with the PDF

[displaced7]

PDF also flattens the layers.  I need to access the 40 or so layers in the AI file.

[jane-e]

"PDF also flattens the layers."

PDF will preserve the layers if you use Acrobat 6 or later and if you enable "Create Acrobat Layers from Top-Level Layers". Dov suggested PDX/X-4, which is compatible with Acrobat 7.

~ Jane

[displaced7]

Thanks, missed that.  PDF had the same error though.

[BobLevine]

Select show options when placing the file. The settings there are sticky and if the PDF does not conform to the choices already there, you'll get that error.

[displaced7]

I always do but it won't go past that (it pops up the error message).

[displaced7]

I believe I found a workaround.  I split the AI file into 2 files, one 750mb, one 1.25gb.

I'll assume that this must be a bug with ID.  Very annoying.  Hopefully this is fixed soon.

[BobLevine]

750 megs? 1.25 gigs?

What the hell is in those files?

[displaced7]

Mostly images, all linked (very, very rarely would I embed images, that would make the file sizes exponentially larger), some linked logos, very little text.  Illustrator files balloon very quickly.  I'd say, on average, our files are 500mb+.  I've yet to find a software that file sizes don't balloon as the file grows.

[rob day]

With AI 2020 it looks like placed images automatically get embedded—I don’t use AI enough to know if there is a preference somewhere for this seemingly new behavior. Is the unusually large file size coming from embedded images?

[rob day]

Looks like the initial default after installing is to embed, which was happening with my new install of 2020. As Bob points out, the Link checkbox in the Place dialog is sticky:

[Laubender]

Hi Bob,

FWIW: Some features in Illustrator require embedded images.

Like Illustrator symbols or the image cropping feature. Other features require symbols, so it's not that easy to go without embedded images at all.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )