I'm unable to save a background color in a pdf

[Imaginative_amazement0D4C]

Hello everyone- I'm very new to Illustrator and I'm trying to create a logo with a black background and gold lettering. I'm able to set it up by simulating colored paper in document setup, and it looks great. The problem is, when I save it as any kind of file to export, the logo shows up with a white background and black lettering with a gold outline. I tried to add another layer as a background layer, and that didn't work. Operating on a mac. Any help is appreciated because I feel like flipping my desk right now 🙂 

[Ton Frederiks]

Check to see if there is really a white object in the background: View > Show Transparency Grid.

If you still see a white backgound, fill it with a color.

If it is transparent, create a new Layer in the Layers panel.

Create a rectangle and fill it with the color you like.

Drag the layer to the bottom in the Layers panel.

[tromboniator]

Hi, Ton,

I seem to be following you by a few minutes day after day. Always happy to see you.

Amy: Whenever you follow Ton's advice, you'll be fine!

[Ton Frederiks]

Same timezone 🙂

[tromboniator]

The simulated colored paper does not print – it is only to give you an idea of how the artwork would look if you printed it on that color paper. Just turn that off. Add a rectangle (or whatever shape you want) of the background color behind the artwork, either on the same layer as the rearmost artwork or on a layer behind. Not sure if that's what you meant by "add another layer as a background layer," but it should work just fine. In what way did it not work?

Peter

[Imaginative_amazement0D4C]

Thanks y'all! I figured out how to add a second layer and it turned out well. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond and help out. Happy Monday 🙂 

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear you've got it working.