Illustrator not recognizing Layers in a Vectorized PDF

[eduard_2511]

Context:

• I exported Plan.pdf from Rhino 7 using the vectorized PDF export option. During the export, I ensured that the layers from Rhino were included because I need to further edit the document while preserving its structure.

The Issue:

• When I open the PDF in Adobe Reader, the layers appear properly and function as expected.
• However, when I open the same file in Adobe Illustrator, the layers are not recognized or do not appear.

This is problematic as I need the layers in Illustrator to further edit the document.

Attachments:

1. Plan.pdf – the exported PDF file.
2. A - screenshot from Adobe Reader, showing the layers are displayed correctly.
3. B - screenshot from Adobe Illustrator, showing the layers are missing or unrecognized.
   4. C - screenshot from Rhino 7, showing export options when printing a Layout.

Questions:

1. Is there a specific setting or workflow I should use when exporting from Rhino 7 to ensure Illustrator recognizes the layers?
2. Is this a known limitation, or is there a workaround to make the layers visible in Illustrator without recreating them manually?
   
   

Thank you in advance for your guidance on resolving this issue.

[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">

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

PDF layers and Illustrator layers are a different concept and Illustrator cannot recognize PDF layers.

Illustrator is not general purpose PDF editor.

[eduard_2511]

Can i make it somehow recognize them in any way?

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

It is a lot of work,but you may try this:

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, save as many different files as you want layers.

For each layer you need to remove the other ones in Acrobat: 

Open the file for the first layer.
Select > View > Show/Hide > Side panels > Layers.
Hide all the layers except the first one.
From the Options menu, select Flatten Layers.
Save the file and repeat for the other layers.
In Illustrator create a file at the size you need.
Create as many layers as you need.
Open the first pdf in Illustrator and copy the content.
Select the first layer in your Illustrator file and choose Paste in Place
Repeat for the other layers.