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Gr8dzine
Participant
September 7, 2017
Answered

Layers in PDF File collapse when opening PDF in Illustrator

  • September 7, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 2472 views

I have a vendor that is creating architectural drawings using AutoCAD and then saving the DWG files as EPS and PDFs to be used as artwork in a book. Because these drawings need to be reduced in size, some of the patterning and lines need to be simplified. When I open the layered PDF in Illustrator, all the layers collapse into one big layer, making it impossible to easily edit/adjust the file. If the layers exist in the PDF format, why doesn't Illustrator recognize the layer function and retain the organization when the file is opened? I realize I can select different line weights/appearances and modify from there, but that will be much more time consuming than being able to work into specific layers. Has anyone figured out a workaround to this issue?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Monika Gause

PDF layers are a different thing than Illustrator layers.

You can't import them into Illustrator

Prepression: The Ten Commandments of PDF

2 replies

Franc_8792
Franc_8792
Participant
November 2, 2018

It is possible to direct import DWG file into Illustrator. There are retained all layers as they are in autocad. Precondition is, that dwg file must be saved in ACD 2010. All circles and arcs are perfectly smooth. For printing purposes you must change the document color mode and all colors must be edited as well as the thickness of lines.

Mike_Gondek10189183
Community Expert
Mike_Gondek10189183Community Expert
Community Expert
September 7, 2017

Ask the auto cad designer to edit custom properties, and include layer information.

https://www.cad-notes.com/how-to-add-autocad-layer-information-in-pdf-file/

G
Gr8dzineAuthor
Participant
September 7, 2017

Thanks Mike. The PDF files have layers so the CAD designer is exporting layers to the PDF successfully. The problem is that if I have to edit the line weights or minimize patterns because the files will be reduced and the information gets too dense, I can't edit in Acrobat Pro. I would have more flexibility opening it in Illustrator and making refinements there, but the layers collapse when I open the PDF with Illustrator. It seems like a disconnect that the layers in a PDF wouldn't translate to Illustrator, which also has the capacity to recognize layers.

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 8, 2017

PDF layers are a different thing than Illustrator layers.

You can't import them into Illustrator

Prepression: The Ten Commandments of PDF

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