display issues CAD pdf on iPad

[Encre de Chine]

I transferred several drawings made into pdf by the supplier.

They open perfectly on a laptop, and directly in mail too.

Whan saved to acrobat reader (premium subscription, version 23.10.01) details from the CAD are missing.

original:

 and result in acrobat

Any hint appreciated.

[Abambo]

How did you create the PDF file? It's not exactly recommended, but for the test, could you take the PDF on the laptop and create a new PDF (by printing to the virtual PDF printer). You will need to do that on a Windows PC.

(it may be that the save as option on macOS works also!).

[Encre de Chine]

I did not create the files, a naval architect did.

Some turn out good on the ipad, some not... and as you mention, there is no fast way to print a flat copy on the mac 😞

[Abambo]

I did not create the files, a naval architect did.

By @Encre de Chine

Are you the customer or are they your customers?

[Luke Jennings3]

Check your page display preferences, "Use overprint preview" should be set to Always. Also, "Show large images" should be on. CAD pdfs often have many layers, some of them may be turned off, if there are layers, you should see a pancake icon on the left, click on it to show layer visibility. Download Adobe Reader (a free viewer) how does the pdf look there? If it's OK, try resetting your Acrobat preferences.

Edit, also see this related thread:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/items-missing-when-printing-pdf/td-p/12852335

[Encre de Chine]

Thanks Luke.

Unfortunately the issue is on the Ipad version of the reader, not the laptop one.

I have searched crazy for a similat setting in the ipad version, no luck.

I fear the only way is to export or print flat copies of all the drawings from my full acrobat version on the laptop... and that means a shitload of files 😞

[Luke Jennings3]

Try flattening the layers on a copy of one of your pdfs, either by saving as an optimized pdf- File> Save as other> Optimized pdf (see screen shot below) or using a preflight profile- Tools> Print Production> Preflight. If this produces a pdf that views correctly on an ipad, you can use the Acrobat Action Wizard to create an action that can include either fix, and can be easily applied to a folder full of pdfs. Note, flattening the layers cannot easily be un-done, so make copies if you want to preserve the layered versions, which may have important details on the hidden layers.

[Encre de Chine]

Thanks Luke for those very insightful informations.

Sadly, it won't work as the drawings are secured by the makers, then signed by the certification body... I can't get the permissions.

I can, however, make flat copies by printing to PDF in the "preview" app.

Now just check if the preview will allow batch processing.

Thanks all.

[Encre de Chine]

It would still be great if the reader app on the iPad could read all formats of PDF, though