📉 Reduce the size of your IDML file

If your IDML file exceeds Redokun’s 100MB upload limit, it's likely due to pasted or embedded images. This guide shows you how to reduce your file size by converting embedded content into linked images.

📦 Why IDML files become too large

InDesign documents exported as IDML are typically small. However, file size increases when

Images are pasted directly into the document
Images are embedded instead of linked

✅ Tip: Linked images keep your design intact while reducing the IDML size.

Learn how to insert images correctly in InDesign →

🖼 1. Replace pasted images with linked files

Open your InDesign file in Adobe InDesign.
Go to Window > Links to open the Links panel.
Identify embedded images — these display an embedded icon 📌.
Select one or more images (hold Shift to select multiple).
Right-click and choose Unembed Link.
InDesign will ask if you want to extract and link the image files.
Choose a folder to save the images. InDesign will automatically:
- Export each image as a separate file
- Link it back into your InDesign document

Once finished, save the document with a new name and export a fresh IDML file.

🧰 2. Unembed images using a script (Advanced)

If your file size is still too large or you want to follow best practices for working with IDML:

Open your InDesign file.
Download this free script by Peter Kahrel:Unembed Images Script
Install and run the script in InDesign to extract all embedded images.

💡 This method ensures every embedded image is handled, even those not manually selected.

⚙️ Still having issues?

If your file is still too large to upload, follow this additional troubleshooting guide: How to troubleshoot an IDML file effectively