Illustrator 2025 Mac OS 15.4.1 - Can't Save Single File PDF from Export for Screen

[Helena28273452awqt]

Illustrator latest update - 
Illustrator no longer saves a Single File PDF in the "export for screen" function. 
I select "all artboards" and "single file". 
Each time i get multiple pdf files from this action instead of a single file. 

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Helena28273452awqt,

Thanks again for sharing the screenshots and all the details so far.

Just to confirm, are you currently using Illustrator version 29.6? And could you also let me know the exact macOS version you're running? 

I went ahead and tested the same workflow on my end using Illustrator 29.6 and was able to successfully generate a single PDF file using the Export for Screens option with 'Single File selected.

If possible, could you please share a screen recording showing your export steps, so I can observe the behavior more clearly? Alternatively, feel free to upload a sample file where you're experiencing this issue. You can use any public cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., and paste the link here. If the file contains confidential content, you're also welcome to send it via DM on the community.

Looking forward to checking this further with you!

Abhishek 

[Ton Frederiks]

You probably opened the resulting PDF back in Illustrator, which means you opened the Illustrator part of the file.

Check the settings for the PDF export, they probably have the "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities" checked, which means that all artboards will be included for editing in Illustrator.

To change this for Export for Screens, you need to create a new PDF Preset file (Edit > Adobe PDF Presets and use the + icon) where is is turned off and chose that in the export for screens settings for PDF (click the cog wheel to change them).

[Helena28273452awqt]

Thank you but your answer isn't helpful.

I'm exporting an illustrator file, like i've done a million times in the
past, using "export for screens".
Suddenly, since the update, Illustrator exports multiple pdfs instead of a
single file.

My screenshots explain this error clearly. It's a bug in the new update.

[Ton Frederiks]

I think you are right, Helena. I have not used that option recently.

Tried it in 2024 and it exports a single file from selected artboards.

In the 29.6 version it gives a separate file for every artboard.

This looks like a bug that you may want to report here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com/

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Ton Frederiks, @Helena28273452awqt,

I tried to replicate this using Illustrator 28.7.7 and Illustrator 28.0, but could not. Could you share a screen recording of the workflow you're following, so I can confirm it's the same on my end?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[Ton Frederiks]

Hi @Anubhav M , I do have 28.5 to test it and it exports as a single file (see the first part of my screenrecording).

The second part was done with the same file in 29.6 and produces multiple files instead of one.

[Helena28273452awqt]

Yes Ton, exactly that. 

Thank you for your trouble. 

[Ton Frederiks]

Hi, Helena, I made a UserVoice report here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447-illustrator-desktop-bugs/suggestions/50057574-can-t-...

[Helena28273452awqt]

Hi Anubhav

Thank you for your reply. 
Illustrator Version - 29.6
MacOS 15.4.1
I attach a screen recording here. 

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from using the community bugs">

[Chris21976577hm04]

I'm having the same issue as Helena. This is a feature I use all day, every day at work. It was working on Friday, June 20th and it's no longer working as of Monday morning.

"Export for Screens" and select Export PDF as: Single File, it outputs individual artboards as if I have the "Multiple Files" radial checked.

I downgraded to 29.5.1 and it's working again. 

[Anubhav M]

Hello everyone,

Our team has confirmed the problem and is currently working to fix it in a future release. I will update this thread as I have more info. In the meantime, kindly upvote this UserVoice (https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447-illustrator-desktop-bugs/suggestions/50057574-can-t-...) and add your comments there. Doing this will help prioritize the fix, and you will be notified of any updates.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. We'd be happy to help.

Anubhav