Can't remove Gen AI Image from Links Panel

[FA222]

I saw the new Generative AI feature in InDesign and created a couple of images while I was working on a document for print.

I deleted the images from my layout, but noticed they still appear in the Links panel.

The images are neither embedded nor linked and I can't find any way remove them.

I fear that they may cause problems when putting my files into a print production RIP, so hoping to find a way to delete them. 

[Steve Werner]

Save your InDesign file as an IDML file (File > Save As > InDesign CS4 or Later [IDML]. Open the IDML file and it should be gone.

[tracys57428574]

Hello Everyone!

Oh my goodness I really LOVE the AI generator tool, I use it in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator!! It is such a fun tool to use! I have generated some very unique illustrations and images to use in this past year. 

The comments I have seen on this topic so far share some Great Tips on how to remove those "ghost links" that the AI generated function leaves behind after deleting/removing the unwanted (or not used) in your IDD files. I thought I would share how I use this tool in hopes it could helps others. It is a few extra steps, I admit... But, I prefer this method when packaging the final layouts to collaborate with my editorial team. 

Six Steps I Use:
Step 1: Open/create a new IDD doc size to specs/size needed from your "working document" layout . 
Step 2: Browse using the AI Tool for the desired image/illustration.

Step 3: Export new AI generated graphic/s as file type needed. (jpg/png/pdf etc)

Step 5: Delete all AI generated images/graphics you did not use/want from the Text to Image panel.

Step 5: Save/Package your AI generated IDD file. 

Step 6: Open original IDD "working document" and Import the new AI graphic file into layout.
Step 7: Save "working document" and continue designing!

To sum things up, I will open/create a new IDD layout (sized to the specs my layouts require)-- Use the text to image AI Generator-- browse generated AI graphics-- pick out the one/s I prefer-- export as a jpg (or correct file extension needed depending on the medium type)-- drop it in my working IDD layout and save! Easy Peasy!

I hope this helps someone while using this amazing tool to avoid those darned missing links when reopening files!
Happy Designing Everyone! 
*Live-Laugh-Design-Repeat*

[leo.r · Accepted solution]

In addition to the IDML route suggested by Steve, you should also be able to delete them from Text to Image panel > Variations (albeit one by one).

[HARSHIKA_VERMA]

Hi @FA222,

Hope you're doing well!

We would like to follow up on the issue. Are you able to resolve the issue? Please feel free to update the discussion if you need any further assistance from us.

We would be happy to help.

Thanks,

Harshika

[lilamaye]

Following the suggestion here but most of the text formating in the IMDL file. Please fix so we can remove the GenAI ghost links from the original INDD file.  Need to pass off the packaged files to client and the links panel is a mess. : / 

[Holly26784314mppa]

I agree! Not sure why the ghost links need to live in the links panel even though they have been deleted from the artboard. Having strange links is scary when sending something off to print for mass production!

I was able to delete mine in the "Text to Image" panel, but I would not have been able to figue that out without leo.r sharing. Not sure what the point of that is.

[dashard]

They also take up space.

It's not just the cruft in the Links Panel, but my normally 3-4MB document ballooned up to 90-105MB, but there were no generted images to remove.

[stephaniea63886159]

This worked! Thank you leo.r!

[QuietLittleLeaf]

Thankyou, this worked!

[dennisr20966325]

Followed what you advised but now all of the links say missing. I deleted all of the pages except one and it still says files are missing? Any ideas?

[stephaniea63886159]

Are you saying you did open your Text to Image panel and delete them under the Variations drop down? That's all I did and it removed the missing links.

[muvebuf]

Just had this issue come up and could not get 12 ghosts out of my links panel even after locating and deleting the AI files. So annoying that I have to make an IDML file to resolve it and risk some issue creeping into my file. Reminder to NEVER use that feature EVER again!!