How to copy graphic with linked content from illustrator to indesign without breaking the link

[luchau]

I have an illustrator file with lots of graphics and lots of linked images. This file should obviously have been created in indesign in the first place, but it was not.

Are there really no way to convert/export/copy the contents of the ai file to an indd file?

Even copying the single items one at a time would help (like a complex clipping mask with a linked image), but links are always broken and the image embedded.

[luchau]

I'm using fully updated AdobeCC on Windows 10.

[vladan saveljic · Accepted solution]

Maybe I didn't understand good your issue.

If you have one or many image embeded in InDesign you can unembeden all link in a moment.

- Select one or more embedded files in the Links panel.

- Do one of the following:

• Select Unembed Link in the Links panel menu.

If there are multiple instances of the file, choose Unembed All Instances Of [Filename] in the Links panel menu.

• Click the Relink button or select Relink in the Links panel menu. Choose to link the file to the original file or to a folder InDesign creates from the embedded data stored in the document.

[vladan saveljic]

or you should package illustrator file. Then you'll have the links folder with all images that you can place in your Indesign file

[rob day · Accepted solution]

When you save as AI format there is an option to include linked images. Do that and place the .ai file in InDesign. Or, save as PDF/X -4 and place the PDF.