How to reduce the size of an .ai file by pulling the bitmaps into a separate folder?

Question

Adobe Illustrator

Previously, when packing files (“file / pack ..”), it was possible to pull out all the bitmap images in the source into a separate folder and link them with a link. Thus, the source became much smaller, because. it did not store rasters, but it needed the "links" folder.
Now he does everything the same, but he still leaves all the rasters in the source. Who faced such problem?

Answer 1

You can search for embedded bitmaps in the Links or Links window. In the menu, you can find the item "Extract" and specify the name and location for the extracted image file. When the file appears, it will be linked in Illustrator.
PS Also you can see the "extract" button under the standard menu: File, Edit, etc. when just highlight the image you are interested in