illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf)

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
September 6, 2024
1 reply
1511 views

Illustrator version: 28.7.1

but it happened also in previous versions

Bug

This topic has been closed for replies.

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

When editing an Illustrator file, always save as .ai

A pdf is not intended for editing.

If you want to save as PDF and also need to edit the Illustrator file, save a copy or make sure that the "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities" option is checked.

Just saving as PDF without that option will remove layers and other Illustrator options.

A

Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tgAuthor

Participating Frequently

We also need pdf with layers for client.

The problem does not affect all PDF files. So far I have only had 3 cases. I have been using illustrator for many years and this has never happened to me. Im always using default settings for saving as PDF

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

I guess you mean layers in the PDF file.

These are only top layers that are converted to what is called PDF layers, but what are actually ways of grouping content: OCG, Optional Content Groups.

These will not be there when a PDF without Illustrator Editing Capabilities is opened.

It could be that your file has become corrupted and only the PDF part is opened.

Where do you save your files?

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