To embed images in Illustrator, select the linked image and click Embed in the Properties panel, or open Window > Links, select the image, and choose Embed Image(s) from the Links panel menu. You can also skip linking entirely by unchecking Link in the File > Place dialog before you place the file. Embedding stores the image inside your .ai file, so it can't go missing when you send the file to someone else.
- Fastest way
- Properties panel > Embed
- Batch method
- Links panel menu > Embed Image(s)
- Embed on import
- File > Place, uncheck Link
- Undo it
- Links panel menu > Unembed
Linked vs embedded images
When you place an image in Illustrator, it is linked by default. The .ai file does not hold the image. It holds a pointer to where the image lives on your computer. Embedding copies the actual image data into the .ai file.
| Linked | Embedded | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the image lives | In a separate file on your drive | Inside the .ai file |
| File size | Smaller .ai file | Larger .ai file |
| Edits to the original | Show up in Illustrator | Do not carry over |
| Sending the file | Must send the image too | One file has everything |
How to tell which one you have
Select the image. A linked image shows an X running corner to corner across its bounding box. An embedded image just shows the box. The Links panel (Window > Links) also marks embedded images with a small embed icon next to the file name.
How to embed images in Illustrator
Method 1: The Properties panel
- Select the linked image. Click it with the Selection tool.
- Click Embed. In the Properties panel, under Quick Actions, click Embed.
The X across the image disappears. That is it.
Method 2: The Links panel
- Open the panel. Choose Window > Links.
- Select the images. Click one, or Shift click to select several.
- Embed. Open the panel menu in the top right corner and choose Embed Image(s).
This is the best method when a file has a lot of placed art, because you can embed everything at once.
Method 3: Embed while placing
- Choose File > Place.
- Uncheck Link. The Link checkbox sits at the bottom of the Place dialog. With it unchecked, the image goes straight in as embedded.
- Place it. Click Place, then click or drag on the artboard.
Unembedding
Changed your mind? Select the embedded image and click Unembed in the Control panel, or choose Unembed from the Links panel menu. Illustrator asks you to save the image out as a PSD or TIFF and relinks to that new file.
Why embedding matters when you send files
The classic problem: you build a shirt design in Illustrator, email the .ai file to a printer, a designer, or a teammate, and they open it to a missing link warning. The pieces you placed show as empty boxes or low resolution previews because the actual images are still sitting on your computer.
Embedding solves that. Before you send any .ai, .eps, or PDF file to anyone, do a quick check:
- Open the Links panel. Any image without the embed icon is still linked.
- Look for warning icons. A missing link shows a warning icon in the Links panel. Relink it before you embed, or you will embed a broken file.
- Embed everything. Select all in the Links panel and use Embed Image(s).
- Save a copy. Save as a new file name so your working file stays linked if you prefer working that way.
The tradeoff is file size. Embedding big photos can make an .ai file heavy. For a one off shirt design, that is rarely a real problem. For a catalog with hundreds of photos, linking plus packaging (File > Package) is the better workflow.
Do you need to embed images for DTF?
For DTF, you do not send the .ai file at all. You send a transparent PNG at 300 DPI at the size you want printed. That PNG is flattened, so linked versus embedded does not matter once it is exported.
Where embedding still matters is before the export. If a linked image is missing or Illustrator is only showing a low resolution preview, that problem can follow you into the export. Make sure every link is healthy (or embedded) first, then export.
Exporting your design for DTF
- Size the art to print size. If you want an 11 inch wide back print, make the design 11 inches wide on the artboard.
- Remove the background. Delete any white rectangle or background shape. White shapes print as white ink on the shirt.
- Export as PNG. Choose File > Export > Export As, set the format to PNG, and check Use Artboards.
- Set options. Resolution at 300 ppi, Background Color set to Transparent.
- Verify. Open the PNG and confirm the background is clear and the size is right. Our DPI checker can confirm the resolution at your print size.
Embedded images keep their original resolution. If you embed a small 72 DPI web image and stretch it to 11 inches, it will still print blurry. Start with large source images, or see our guide on how to make an image 300 DPI. If the placed art is a logo, you may get sharper results by tracing it first. Our post on how to vectorize an image in Illustrator walks through that.
Troubleshooting
The Embed button is not showing
Make sure you selected the image itself, not a group or clipping mask that contains it. Double click into the group, or use the Direct Selection tool, then check the Properties panel again. If the image is already embedded, you will see Unembed instead.
The image looks pixelated after embedding
Embedding does not change resolution. The image was low resolution to begin with. Replace it with a larger source.
The file got huge
That is the embedded image data. Crop images before placing them, or use linked files with File > Package when you need to hand off a big project.
FAQ
Is it better to link or embed images in Illustrator?
Link while you are working if you edit the source images often. Embed when you are sending the file to someone else so nothing goes missing.
How do I embed all images in Illustrator at once?
Open Window > Links, select every item in the list, then choose Embed Image(s) from the Links panel menu.
Does embedding reduce image quality?
No. The embedded image keeps the same resolution it had as a linked file.
What file should I send for DTF transfers?
A transparent PNG at 300 DPI at print size. See our artwork specs page for the full list.
Send print ready art
Export your design as a transparent PNG, upload it, and build your sheet. Orders placed before 1PM PT ship the same business day.