Embed or unembed an image within the document

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to switch placed graphics between linked and embedded states in Adobe InDesign.

Embed or unembed images in InDesign using the Links panel to control whether graphics remain linked to external files or are stored within the document. Linked graphics help keep the document size smaller, while embedded graphics make it self-contained. Switching between these states helps match different file management workflows.

Embed a linked image

Open Window > Links.

Select the linked file.

Select the panel menu    icon, then choose Embed Link.

Choose Embed All Instances Of [Filename] to embed all occurrences of the graphic.

Unembed an image to restore linking

Select Window > Links.

Choose one or more embedded files.

Select the panel menu    icon, then choose Unembed Link or Unembed All Instances Of [Filename].

Select the panel menu   icon, then choose Relink.

Choose the original file to restore the existing link or choose a folder to create a new file from the embedded data.