InDesign looks for linked files in two places before it fires an alert that links cannot be found:
- The original file location of a given linked element when it's placed, and
- The same file location as the opened InDesign file (and when packaged, associated sub-folders)
If the program can't find the relevant element(s) — gotta like that near-rhyme — in either of those two locations, you'll get an alert that the linked element(s) can't be found. The good news is that InDesign makes reference to the element(s) relative location. So there are a couple of ways you can try to fix this problem:
- As Jeff Witchel offered, package InDesign documents the first time you close them, then work with the packaged InDesign documents and graphics
- (Less effective) store relevant elements which will go into your InDesign documents in the same folder location as the .indd file (works best), or in associated sub-folders (can work, but also can be problematic depending on your filing)
The first option can result in file bloat and version control issues, because each time you're done working with a given InDesign document, you're packaging a brand new set of document file/placed elements/fonts. You may as well do the fonts too, to ensure a complete intrinsic package each time you create one. The second option requires bothersome manual file management before placing elements within InDesign documents, and to a lesser degree will result is some file bloat as well.
But the good news is that your issues can be overcome. The not-so-good news is that either option will likely require retooling your workflow to accommodate your wishes. However, you can work your way around your issues if it's worth your efforts.
Good luck,
Randy
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