I have a lot of AI files that are on a main computer. When I try to access them from my other computer all the links within the file are broken.
Is there a specific way of saving an AI file so that the links work over a network?
Graphic Design Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for Graphic Design professionals, students, and enthusiasts. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this communityI have a lot of AI files that are on a main computer. When I try to access them from my other computer all the links within the file are broken.
Is there a specific way of saving an AI file so that the links work over a network?
From Adobe:
Organizations use many different network configurations (for example, multi-launch, client-server, or peer-peer) and types (for example, ethernet, token ring, or IP). Each configuration requires specialized software and hardware, with varying set-ups, preferences, and updates. This additional layer of software and hardware can impact application performance. (For example, the amplitude of line noise, RF interference, or packet collisions are all factors that impact the reliability of the network.)
Multiple factors affect data transmission along a network, including file servers, routers, bridges, network cards, software, cables, connectors, power cables, and power supplies. Network connections can suddenly become unavailable, increasing the risk of data loss and application error. During transmission and reception, network software verifies that data has been sent and received. The depth of verification depends on the network software package, and may not be accessible by the operating system. When you try to save files across a network, you can receive the error, "Could not complete the request because the file is locked," or "Could not save because of a disk error." However, the network and operating system may not notify you if an Illustrator file or scratch disk file contains damaged or incomplete information.
Possible causes:
Possible solutions:
After experimenting with Packages, I found that Illustrator will always look for a "Links" or "links" folder with placed files.
It has to be in the same folder as the AI document.
You can try moving all your linked files into a links subfolder and seeing if that helps.
Theoretically the path will be updated every time you open the document, no matter where you are.
Just saw this old question again, the best solution now is a NAS (Network-attached storage) setup with all computers connected mapping it with the same drive letter and your good to go. Works with Indesign and Illustrator.
There is no such thing as a drive letter on a mac, so not sure how a NAS setup is going to help.
Really, the big thing is Adobe sucks and doesn't use relative paths. Well, Premiere and AfterEffects both do, but not for supporting files like luts. Again, Adobe sucks big time. But illustrator's file handling has always sucked.
You'll have the same problem if you have the files local if the links aren't next to each other. having a folder named links also doesn't always work. The only thing that Truly works is having all the file next to each other, which is Incredibly stupid because when you package a file that's not how it works.
If anyone figures out a file path solution to actually make windows/linux/mac use the exact same UNC style paths I'm all ears. Of course, that would only solve the problem locally and not if you send files to someone outside your company, but that's at least something.
Maybe someday Adobe will get their act together and decide to add in relative paths.