Asset Export panel behavior with missing linked source files

Question

The Asset Export panel in Adobe Illustrator allows for the definition of multiple scales and formats for specific artboard objects. When assets are linked rather than embedded, the panel processes the export based on the current state of the source file on the local disk.

There is uncertainty regarding the panel's internal handling of linked assets if the source files are renamed or moved during an active session. While the document may flag a missing link, it is unclear how the export engine resolves these references during a batch export process.

Does the Asset Export panel trigger a standard "Missing Link" dialogue during a batch export, or does it skip the affected assets?
  If a link is broken, will the panel export the low-resolution proxy preview or fail the specific asset export entirely?

Tasadduq Burney · Answer

Answer
The Asset Export panel does not display a modal “Missing Link” dialog during a batch export. Instead it records the missing link in the export summary and skips exporting that asset.
Confirmed facts

The panel relies on the Links panel status; a missing link icon causes the asset to be omitted.
When the source file cannot be found, no low‑resolution preview is used and no output file is generated for that asset.
This behavior applies to Illustrator CC 2015 and later; earlier versions may stop the export or prompt for file location.

Verification steps

Open an Illustrator document that contains a linked image (or other placed file).
Rename or move the source file on disk while the document remains open.
Open the Asset Export panel, add an asset based on that linked object, and choose the desired scales/formats.
Start a batch export from the panel.
When the export summary appears, look for a warning about the missing link; the asset will not appear in the export folder.
Check the Links panel – it should show a missing link icon for the source file, confirming the panel’s decision.

Asset Export panel behavior with missing linked source files

1 answer

Answer

Confirmed facts

Verification steps

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