how to edit a PDF file in illustrator thats been saved as an ai file

[Natalie221554789vrz]

I exported a tech pack from google sheets format as a PDF file.  Then I opened the PDF in illustrator, saved as an ai. file, but cannot edit the 2D sketch.  What do I need to do to edit the sketch?

The original maker won't send the original file the 2D sketch was created in.

I am trying to figure this out so I don't have to trace the sketches from scratch, want to save time.

Thank you 🙂

[John Mensinger]

There's no telling what type of constructs may be present. You, with the file in hand, are in a much better position to investigate, while all we here could do is guess.

Then I opened the PDF in illustrator, saved as an ai. file

That won't change the contents of the file, or their nature.

. . . but cannot edit the 2D sketch.

What happens when you try?

What do I need to do to edit the sketch?

It depends; you may not be able to edit it in Illustrator. Can you select it? If so, take a screen shot with it selected, and the Layers panel in view, then post it here.

[Natalie221554789vrz]

Hi John,

Thank you very much.  Attached is the screen shot of the selected sketch and layers panel in view.

[John Mensinger]

Click that right-facing arrow in the Layers panel (just to the right of the blue layer-color bar). Doing that will "expand" the layer to show it's sublayer(s). Then take another screenshot.