Identify Missing Linked Files in CorelDRAW

Unresolved links to external images or assets in CorelDRAW can cause print output errors, such as low-resolution placeholders, missing elements, or failed output jobs. This article explains how to efficiently identify missing or broken linked files using CorelDRAW’s built-in preflight, link management, and document inspection tools before sending a project to a printer.

The primary tool for managing external assets in modern versions of CorelDRAW is the Links docker (or Links and Bookmarks docker).

  1. Go to the menu bar and select Window > Dockers > Links (or Window > Dockers > Links and Bookmarks).
  2. The docker lists all external files referenced in the active document.
  3. Review the status column for each item. Files with a broken path or missing source are flagged with a warning icon or explicitly marked as Missing.
  4. To fix a missing file, select the item in the list and click the Relink (chain-link icon) or Browse button to point CorelDRAW to the updated folder location.

Review the Print Preflight Tab

CorelDRAW automatically performs a preflight check whenever you initiate the print command to alert you to output issues.

  1. Navigate to File > Print (or press Ctrl + P).
  2. Look at the bottom of the Print dialog box for the Issues tab.
  3. If linked bitmaps or external files are missing, a warning symbol appears on this tab.
  4. Click the Issues tab to read specific diagnostic messages detailing which objects are missing and which page they reside on.
  5. Exit the print dialog to address the missing assets before proceeding with physical printing.

Inspect Document Information

The Document Information panel provides an exhaustive summary of all components within your layout, including external dependencies.

  1. Click File > Document Information.
  2. Scroll to the Bitmap and Linked Objects sections.
  3. Review the listed paths. Any asset that cannot be resolved locally will be indicated along with its original file path, making it easier to track down moved or renamed assets on your network or local drive.

Use the Collect for Output Wizard

If you prepare files for an offset or digital commercial printer, running the export packaging wizard acts as a reliable fail-safe.

  1. Go to File > Prepare for Output (or Collect for Output in legacy versions).
  2. Choose to gather all linked files into a single destination folder.
  3. If CorelDRAW cannot locate a file on disk, the wizard immediately interrupts the process with an error message listing the missing file names.
  4. Resolve these paths directly so CorelDRAW can package the authentic high-resolution images for the print provider.