Relink or unlink assignment files

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to reconnect missing assignments or remove content from managed workflows when needed in Adobe InDesign.

If an assignment file is moved or deleted, InDesign loses the link. Restore it by recreating the assignment or setting a new location, or unlinking it to embed content and remove it from the workflow.

Assignments link InDesign content with InCopy. When the link breaks, synchronization stops until it's relinked or removed.

Recreate in original location

Open the InDesign document containing the missing assignments.

Select Window > Assignments.

Select the missing assignment in the Assignments panel (it will still appear in the panel).

Select Update Selected Assignments from the Assignments panel menu .

To recreate all missing assignment files simultaneously, select Update All Assignments from the panel menu.

Relocate to new location

Select Window > Assignments.

Select the assignment you want to relocate in the Assignments panel.

You can also double-click the assignment name in the panel, select Change in the Assignment Options dialog box, and specify the new location.

Select Change Assignment Location from the panel menu.

In the dialog box, navigate to the new location and specify a filename.

Select Save.

Unlink content files

Select Window > Links.

Select the content file with the .icml or .incx extension in the Links panel.

Select Unlink from the Links panel menu .

Confirm the action when prompted.

Tip

Unlinking embeds content in the document and removes the link to the InCopy file on disk. If you unlink your own checked-out file, it removes the file from the workflow and deletes the lock file. To relink, select Edit > Undo Unlink immediately.