Illustrator is adding images or deleting/removing design elements added when I save as a PDF. Is there a way to fix this?

Forum|Forum|1 day ago
February 1, 2026
3 replies
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I created a whole brand book, added images, design elements etc… all good. But when I save it as a PDF there are images added (even though it isn't there on the file) and some design elements get removed. It’s extremely frustrating. Any help is welcome. Thanks.

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Bobby Henderson

Community Expert

What PDF version and type of PDF preset is being used to save the file? Regarding the unwanted elements that appear, I’d double check the layers in the document for any stray elements. When it comes to the elements that are being removed in the saved PDF file what kinds of elements are they? Do they have any unusual features or effects, particularly anything that might rely on a third party plugin?

abe_xixAuthor

Participating Frequently

Hello, nothing gets removed its like images are added randomly scattered around the pages. Sometime just parts of an image that isnt even added to the file.

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Anubhav M

Community Manager

Hello @abe_xix

I’m sorry to hear you’re still having trouble with this. Could you confirm the exact version of the OS/Illustrator installed, and share a link to a sample AI/PDF file after uploading it to a file-sharing service, so we can check it on our end?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Anubhav