Linked and Embedded Images


When you place raster images in an Illustrator file, you can choose to link or embed those images. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Linking an image results in a smaller Illustrator file than embedding. Additionally, since images are externally stored, they are easily color corrected or retouched. To open an image linked in an Illustrator file, hold down the Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) key, and then double-click the image. The image opens in Photoshop, where you can make your edits and save the file. When you return to Illustrator, you'll receive an alert asking if you'd like to update modified images. Click Yes to update the image.

As you might expect, embedding an image increases the Illustrator file size, since the size of the image is added to the file. While embedding makes it easier to keep track of all components of a file, it complicates image editing. If the original image is still available, you can choose Relink from the Links palette menu, and then navigate to the external image. Edit the newly linked image as necessary, update the link, and then embed the image if you wish.

However, if you've inherited an Illustrator file containing an embedded image and have no access to the original image, Illustrator doesn't provide a straightforward way to extract it for editing. Don't panic. If you can't obtain the original image from the content creator, you can still cheat your way out of this predicament. Select the embedded image in Illustrator with the Selection tool (black arrow), and then copy it to the clipboard. Start Photoshop and choose File > New. A new, blank document is created that's the same size as the clipboard contents. Note that you will need to set the color mode of the new image to the correct setting (CMYK or RGB) in keeping with the image you're extracting. Paste the image, and you're in business.

Saving an Illustrator file in EPS format automatically embeds images and fonts, so you'd be wise to save the external images as insurance against future editing needs.

Image resolution rules and restrictions still apply to images placed in Illustrator, of course. That is, scaling up or down beyond reasonable limits (roughly 75 to 125 percent) has repercussions in terms of degradation of detail and increased processing time. As in page-layout applications, it's best if the image is the correct final size to begin with and is placed at 100 percent into Illustrator.




Real World(c) Print Production
Real World Print Production
ISBN: 0321410181
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 132
Authors: Claudia McCue

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