layers become empty when exporting to PDF, after embedding images

[RachelB831]

Hi everyone, 

I have created a document for some large-ish packaging (735mm x 530mm) in Adobe Illustrator. I have 3 layers: Markup, dieline & artwork. I am ready to save as a PDF for the printer, and so I follow my normal procedure of outlining all text, embedding images and saving as PDF using my custom settings. When I open the PDF in Acrobat the dieline and markup layers are suddenly empty. 
I have tried a few different exports and can confirm that the issue only presents after I embed the images. If i save the PDF before embedding the images, then it saves thecontent in the dieline and markup layers properly. Outling the text doesnt affect it. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening, or even better how to fix this?

cheers,
Rachel.

[Monika Gause]

Images get embedded into a PDF automatically when exporting a PDF. You do not need to do that.

But if you do it: how are you doing it? Are there clipping masks applied or something?

Please show a screenshot that includes the Layers panel.

[RachelB831]

Hi Monika, 
Thankyou for your response.
This was how I was shown to save out PDF files for print, many years back. Outline all, embed any linked images and then save.
I select the images in the links panel and then from the dropdown at the top I select embed. I have included a screengrab showing this. I have been doing it this way for years without any problem, which is why I was so surprised when this issue appeared!
Do you have any thoughts about why it might be happening on this occasion?
cheers

[Bill Silbert]

Double-click on each of the non-exporting layers in the Layers Panel. In the Layers Options dialog window that pops up make sure that "Print" is checked.

[RachelB831]

Hi Bill, 
Thankyou for your response.
print is definitely turned on for all three layers. Do you have any other suggestions?

[Anubhav M]

Hello @RachelB831,

We understand that encountering technical issues can be frustrating. Would you mind sharing some more details, like the exact version of the OS/Illustrator, a public link to a sample Ai and PDF file after uploading it to Dropbox/Google Drive/etc., and a screen recording of your workflow and the problem (https://adobe.ly/3YnarCz), so we can investigate this further?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav