Unembed images in Illustrator

Last updated on Oct 27, 2026

Extract embedded images into linked PSD or TIFF files using the Control panel or the Links panel.

Extracting embedded images reduces your Illustrator file size and lets you edit the images in their original applications while keeping them linked to your document.

When you unembed an image, Illustrator saves it as a PSD or TIFF file on your computer and replaces the embedded artwork with a linked file. Changes you make to the extracted file automatically update in your Illustrator document because the file remains linked. To embed a linked image instead, see Manage linked and embedded files.

You can unembed one image or multiple images at the same time. Illustrator creates linked PSD or TIFF files and replaces the embedded artwork with links.

Unembed images from the Control panel

Select the embedded image.

In the Control panel, select Unembed.

Select a file name and save location.

Select either PSD or TIFF as the file format.

To unembed multiple images, select Unembed all selected images to this folder.

Select Unembed.

Unembed images from the Links panel

Select Window > Links.

Select one or more embedded images in the Links panel.

From the Links panel menu, select Unembed.

Select a file name and save location.

Select either PSD or TIFF as the file format.

To unembed multiple images, select Unembed all selected images to this folder.

Select Unembed.

The extracted files appear in the Links panel as linked images. Any edits you make to the source files automatically update in Illustrator.

Tip

Store the extracted files in the same project folder as your Illustrator document to avoid broken links when moving the project.

Unembed images in Illustrator

Unembed images from the Control panel

Unembed images from the Links panel

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