: AI: Recolor linked .ai file I have an .ai file that I need to use multiple times in another .ai file. I linked the file and then duplicated it 4 times. The original .ai file is just one

@Mendez620

This will work for simple b&W logos, but does create a more complex file structure. Create a rectangle with the colour you'd like the logo to be, add transparency mask, paste linked logo file into mask, invert mask. There seem to be some refresh issues with this, when file is updated, you may need to turn layer on/off to see the change.

Note the top object rectangle could be more complex if you want to recolour certain parts.

You could place the original linked file underneath this masked version if it's coloured one and use opacity filters to alter colours. But you are creating quite a complex file, so maybe best to flatten if going to print.

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@Murray976

If you use the Links Panel and embed the image, it will be expanded and treated as if you copy/pasted the file rather than placed it.

This would allow you to recolor each iteration.

This will also make the art part of the actual file, so the file size savings via the linking will be gone. You can't recolor a linked file directly (other than perhaps adding a new fill in the Appearance Panel to cover things) unless you recolor the original.

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