Skip to main content
R
ront86587586
Participant
June 6, 2018
Answered

Non searchable layer in a pdf

  • June 6, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 350 views

I know this will sound crazy. I use arc GIS desktop to create a map for a fire department. I save the map to a pdf with layers such as box number(polygon),hydrants, street names. With the search box they type the box number they need to go too and it zooms to that number with streets. They are asking for block numbers as a layer. Numbers like 1100,1200,2300 etc. I have put them on before but the search then looks at block numbers as well as box numbers making it almost impossible to find the box number.  Any way to leave the block number layer and omitt it as searchable. Only want to search box numbers

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Document Geek

How about this:

  1. In your GIS software, hide the block numbers layer. Then export the PDF with all the live fonts.
  2. Then in your GIS software, show the block numbers layer and hide everything else. Then export a PDF. If there is a way in your GIS software to outline all the fonts on the block numbers layers, then do that. If there is not a way to do that in your GIS software, we'll do that in Acrobat. as follows.
  3. Open the block numbers PDF in Acrobat. Then go to Flattener Preview and check the box that says "Convert all Text to Outline." Then click apply. Save this PDF. All your fonts should be outlined now. To double check this, go to Document Properties > Fonts. There should be none listed.
  4. Go back to your main PDF that has everything but the block numbers. Open your Layers panel on the left hand side. Then in the options there, choose "Import as Layer." Then navigate to the Block numbers PDF. You might need to fiddle with the Scale and positioning a bit to get it to sit correctly.

1 reply

Document Geek
Community Expert
Document GeekCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 6, 2018

How about this:

  1. In your GIS software, hide the block numbers layer. Then export the PDF with all the live fonts.
  2. Then in your GIS software, show the block numbers layer and hide everything else. Then export a PDF. If there is a way in your GIS software to outline all the fonts on the block numbers layers, then do that. If there is not a way to do that in your GIS software, we'll do that in Acrobat. as follows.
  3. Open the block numbers PDF in Acrobat. Then go to Flattener Preview and check the box that says "Convert all Text to Outline." Then click apply. Save this PDF. All your fonts should be outlined now. To double check this, go to Document Properties > Fonts. There should be none listed.
  4. Go back to your main PDF that has everything but the block numbers. Open your Layers panel on the left hand side. Then in the options there, choose "Import as Layer." Then navigate to the Block numbers PDF. You might need to fiddle with the Scale and positioning a bit to get it to sit correctly.
Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices