When you import an image to a model, the image is not embedded in the model. Only a link to that image is created.

To save texture images applied to a model, set the save_texture_with_model configuration option to yes. However, this causes a significant increase in the file size of the models in which the textures are saved. Moreover, changes that you make to the independent texture files are not reflected in the respective textures that are saved with the models.

For more information about using the Images tab, search the Fundamentals area of the Help Center.