A new layer for each page in a PDF

[number8838]

I have a PDF with over 300 pages that I would like to have as sequential layers on the same artboard in Illustrator.

I can easily open all 300+ pages in the same Illustrator document as 300+ artboards, but they are all on Layer 1.

How can I get an AI file with one artboard and 300+ layers (in sequential order) without selecting each aboard, creating a new layer and paste-in-place-ing on "artboard one" three hundred times?

[jane-e]

Hi

First, Illustrator has never had pages. What you are working with is Artboards.

From the beginning through CS3, there was one Artboard per file — multiple artboards were introduced in CS4.

What you are asking for cannot be done, at least not out of the box. There are scripters who make Illustrator do all kinds of things. You can ask in the scripting forum. This is a user-to-user forum, and there is a second forum for reporting bugs and for feature requests that is monitored by the engineers. You can post here:

Adobe Illustrator Feedback

I have to add that I when I have documents that are 300 (and more) pages, I would never use Illustrator. When it gets past two pages, I’m using InDesign which has margins and columns, headers and footers, tables, and so much more.

~ Jane

[Mohammad.Harb · Accepted solution]

once you open the 300 artboards in the same document,

first, make sure that all objects on each artboard are grouped together, then click on the layer’s name,

and from the fly out menu of the layer’s panel select

this command : release to layers sequence.

then, click on all released layers (they will be shown in colors) and drag them on top of the previous layer

Jane, we use this command alot when placing  illustrator file as layers in adobe after effects.

[jane-e]

Good to know, Mohammad.Harb !!!

I just tried this and will remember it.

The trick is, then, to group all objects on each artboard. The OP has 300 artboards. If they are not already in groups, this part could be nasty unless you have another shortcut or script?

[Mohammad.Harb]

As far as i can remember, when we palce a multiple pdf file in illustrator, each artboard will be placed as a clipping group.

[number8838]

Thank you so much! I now have the objects from each artboard on their own layer!

Unfortunately, they are also still on their own artboards.

Fortunately, though, they are all still in their clipping groups, which match their artboard dimensions. All I have to do is line up all the clipping groups to each other, which I can thankfully do in two steps with the align tools (horizontal align center and vertical align center).

I now have exactly what I need, without the repetitive stress injury! Release to layers (sequence) is just what I was missing.

Thanks again!