Illustrator 30.7: "Error reading linked file" after using Generative Expand on linked PNG images (reproducible in new documents)
I found a reproducible issue in Illustrator 30.7 related to Generative Expand.
Steps to reproduce
Create a new Illustrator document.
Place a linked PNG image.
Use Generative Expand.
Save the document.
Close Illustrator.
Reopen the document.
Expected result
The document opens normally.
Actual result
Illustrator always displays:
"An error occurred while reading the linked file..."
After clicking Ignore, the document opens normally and Illustrator briefly displays:
"Links have been updated."
However, the same error appears every time the document is reopened.
Additional tests performed
Reproduced in a completely new document.
Updated Illustrator to version 30.7 → issue remains.
Re-linked the original PNG → issue remains.
Deleted the original linked PNG → issue remains.
Saved the document as PDF and reopened it in Illustrator → issue still occurs.
The generated artwork itself is intact and works correctly after clicking Ignore.
The issue only appears after using Generative Expand.
The original image is a PNG exported from ChatGPT, but the problem appears to be related to Illustrator's handling of the generated object rather than a missing file.
Observation
The Links panel contains both:
the original linked PNG
the Generative Object
Even after removing the original linked file, Illustrator still reports an error while reading a linked file when reopening the document.
This suggests that the Generative Object may retain an internal hidden reference that Illustrator cannot correctly resolve during document loading.
Version
Illustrator 30.7
macOS (latest available updates)
Vanessa Volk
shared this idea
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Vanessa, please collect and email the original generated image linked into the document, and the document itself, to sharewithai@adobe.com (and put the link to this report, https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447/suggestions/51572585)
