Select the artwork or objects in your document.
Last updated on
Oct 30, 2026
Learn how to store vector graphics in Creative Cloud Libraries in Adobe Illustrator to reuse artwork and sync updates across projects.
Graphics stored in Creative Cloud Libraries keep their vector format and editability. When you add a graphic to a library, you can place it in any Illustrator document or other Adobe applications. If you place a graphic as a linked asset, it updates automatically whenever you edit the library version.
Add a graphic to a library
Select Window > Libraries to open the Libraries panel.
In the Libraries panel, select Add Elements > Graphic.
Drag artwork directly from the artboard into the Libraries panel.
Place a graphic as a linked asset
In the Libraries panel, right-click the graphic.
Select Place Linked.
Position the cursor on the artboard and click to place the graphic.
Linked graphics display a link icon in the lower-right corner. When you edit the library copy, all linked instances are automatically updated.
Place a graphic as an independent copy
In the Libraries panel, right-click the graphic you want to use.
Select Place Copy from the context menu.
Position the cursor on the artboard and click to place the graphic.
Tip
Press Alt(Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging a graphic from the Libraries panel to place it as an unlinked copy.
Edit a graphic in a library
In the Libraries panel, right-click the graphic.
Select Edit from the context menu.
Make your changes in the document window that opens.
Select File > Save.
The thumbnail refreshes automatically in the Libraries panel. If the graphic was created in Illustrator CC 2015 or later and placed as a linked asset, all instances update across documents.
Rename a graphic
In the Libraries panel, right-click the graphic.
Select Rename.
Type the new name and press Enter.
Delete a graphic from a library
In the Libraries panel, right-click the graphic.
Select Delete.
Select Delete in the confirmation dialog.
Alert
Deleting a graphic from a library permanently removes it. Linked instances in documents will display as missing assets.
Work with Adobe Stock images in libraries
The Libraries panel provides direct access to Adobe Stock images. You can preview watermarked versions before licensing or search for visually similar images.
Preview and license a Stock image
In the Libraries panel, type a keyword in the Search Adobe Stock box.
Hover over an image in the search results.
Select the cloud icon to save a watermarked preview to your current library or select the shopping cart to license the image.
If licensing, select License in the confirmation dialog.
Licensed images save to your current library without watermarks.
Find visually similar Stock images
In the Libraries panel, right-click any graphic asset.
Select Find Similar from the context menu.
Illustrator displays search results for Stock images visually like your selected graphic.
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