diff --git a/release/scripts/startup/bl_operators/image.py b/release/scripts/startup/bl_operators/image.py
index 754e993dacb..1b7d5e3a40d 100644
--- a/release/scripts/startup/bl_operators/image.py
+++ b/release/scripts/startup/bl_operators/image.py
@@ -96,6 +96,10 @@ class EditExternally(Operator):
             self.report({'ERROR'}, "Context incorrect, image not found")
             return {'CANCELLED'}
 
+        if image.packed_file:
+            self.report({'ERROR'}, "Image is packed, unpack before editing")
+            return {'CANCELLED'}
+
         filepath = bpy.path.abspath(image.filepath, library=image.library)
 
         self.filepath = os.path.normpath(filepath)