You can "unlink" files in InDesign, particularly embedded files, by using the Unembed Link feature found in the Links panel. This process converts a file that was previously embedded within the InDesign document back into a standard linked file saved externally on your computer.
This action breaks the embedded status of the file and creates a new connection (a standard link) to a separate file you save.
Steps to Unembed a Linked File
The process for converting an embedded file back into a linked file is straightforward and uses the Links panel.
- Open the Links Panel: Go to Window > Links to open the panel that lists all files placed in your InDesign document.
- Identify and Select Embedded Files: In the Links panel, look for files that are embedded. Embedded files typically have a unique icon (often indicating they are part of the document rather than linked externally) and do not show a file path in the panel details. Select one or more of these embedded files.
- Access the Links Panel Menu: Click the menu icon located in the top-right corner of the Links panel.
- Choose the Unembed Option: From the dropdown menu, do one of the following:
- Select Unembed Link to unembed the selected instance(s) of the file.
- If the same embedded file has been placed multiple times in your document and you selected all instances, choose Unembed All Instances Of [Filename]. This option allows you to unembed all occurrences of that specific file name simultaneously.
- Save the Unembedded File: InDesign will prompt you to specify a location and name for the new external file it will create. Choose where you want to save the file on your computer and click Save.
Once saved, the file will be converted from embedded to a standard linked file. The link in your InDesign document will automatically update to point to the new external file you just saved. The Links panel will now show the file's path, indicating it is correctly linked.
Understanding Unembedding
Unembedding is a specific way to manage links in InDesign. It doesn't permanently sever the connection to a file's original source without saving a new file. Instead, it reverses the embedding process, allowing you to:
- Make changes to the graphic outside of InDesign using its native application.
- Reduce the InDesign file size (as embedded files increase the document size).
- Ensure better workflow when sharing or collaborating on projects (provided the linked files are packaged correctly).
By following these steps via the Links panel, you effectively "unlink" a file from its embedded state and establish it as a standard external link.
