Links panel overview

Use the Links panel to keep track of the files you place in your Illustrator document and to see whether each one is linked or embedded.

Understand linked and embedded files

What are linked and embedded files?

A linked file remains connected to its source and reflects updates automatically whereas an embedded file becomes part of your document and isn't linked to its source.

Why use linked or embedded files?

Use linked files when you want:

• Smaller Illustrator files.
• Assets you can share across documents.
• Automatic updates from the source.

Use embedded files when you want:

• A self-contained document.
• Easier file sharing.
• No dependency on the source files.

Move linked files without breaking links

Linked files use relative paths to track their source files. If you move an Illustrator document and its linked files together, keeping their relative locations intact, the links remain intact.

For example, if your document sits in one folder and its linked files in another, both inside the same parent folder, you can move that parent folder to another computer and the links stay intact.

The Links panel

Open the Links panel

Select Window > Links to open the Links panel. Use it to see whether files are linked or embedded and to manage them.

Understand link status indicators

• Linked: the file is connected to its source.
• Update Available: the source file has changed.
• Missing Link: the source file is no longer in its original location.
• Cloud: the file is stored in Creative Cloud.

Links panel menu

The Links panel menu provides access to additional file-management options, including:

• Opening original files for editing.
• Locating source files.
• Viewing placement options.
• Sorting linked files.
• Copying file information.
• Customizing the panel display.

Common tasks supported by the Links panel

Use the Links panel to:

• Review the status of linked and embedded files.
• Identify modified or missing links.
• Relink or replace source files.
• Relink all instances of a linked image at once.
• Embed or unembed artwork.
• View file information.
• Locate linked artwork in a document.
• Open original files for editing.