Updating image links in Adobe InDesign is a straightforward process, primarily done through the Links panel.
The Primary Method: Using the Links Panel
The most common way to update a changed or moved image file linked within your InDesign document is through the dedicated Links panel.
As mentioned in the reference: "In InDesign, go to the Links panel and update the link."
Here's how to do it step-by-step:
- Open the Links Panel: Go to the InDesign menu bar, select Window > Links. This opens the panel which lists all the files (images, graphics, text files, etc.) placed in your document.
- Identify Outdated/Missing Links: In the Links panel, look for icons next to the file names. A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark indicates a modified link, meaning the original file has been changed externally but the InDesign document hasn't updated yet. A red circle with a question mark indicates a missing link, meaning InDesign cannot find the original file at its last known location.
- Update the Link:
- Select the link(s) you want to update in the Links panel. You can select multiple links by holding down Shift or Ctrl (Windows) / Command (macOS).
- Click the "Update Link" button at the bottom of the Links panel (it looks like a circular arrow) or right-click the link and choose Update Link. InDesign will reload the file, reflecting any changes.
- If the link is missing, click the "Relink" button (it looks like a chain link) or right-click and choose Relink. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to browse your computer to find the updated or moved image file. Select the correct file and click Open.
A Better Workflow for Editing Linked Images
While using the Links panel works well for updating files changed externally, there's a more efficient workflow if you plan to edit the linked image yourself. This method ensures InDesign automatically updates the moment you save the changes in your image editor (like Photoshop or Illustrator).
As the reference states: "Next time, start the edit from inside InDesign by right-clicking the image and choosing Edit With Illustrator, then make your changes, save and close the Illustrator file. The update will happen immediately."
Here's the improved workflow:
- Right-Click the Image: In your InDesign layout, right-click directly on the image frame containing the graphic you want to edit.
- Choose "Edit With": From the context menu, select "Edit With" and then choose the appropriate editing application (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or another image editor).
- Make Your Edits: The linked file will open in the selected external editor. Make your necessary changes (e.g., adjust colors, crop, add elements).
- Save and Close: Save the file within the external editor (File > Save). Then, close the file in the editor.
- Automatic Update: Switch back to InDesign. Because you opened the file for editing from InDesign, the application maintains a connection. The moment you save and close the file in the external editor, InDesign detects the change and updates the link automatically, displaying the modified image in your layout.
Using the "Edit With" method streamlines your workflow by eliminating the need to manually go to the Links panel to update after every edit session.
