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Participating Frequently
July 20, 2025
Answered

Multiple Layers won't export as pdf or png

  • July 20, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 470 views

I am new to Illustrator so I'm not sure why the 3 layer design I created won't print or export with all the layers. Only the original image layer shows up in the exported pdf. The layer with a background color and text does not show up. I've looked through the forums and tried multiple options with no success. The layer with text is just a dark blue background with repeating white text covering the whole layer. 

Correct answer Brad @ Roaring Mouse

The problem is your Blue background is not an object... it's the paper color.

You are using the Simulate Colored Paper to make your "paper" Blue (Document Setup). This color does not print nor will it export to PDF. 

Turn this off.

Then add a Blue rectangle on a layer behind everything.

3 replies

Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Brad @ Roaring MouseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 22, 2025

The problem is your Blue background is not an object... it's the paper color.

You are using the Simulate Colored Paper to make your "paper" Blue (Document Setup). This color does not print nor will it export to PDF. 

Turn this off.

Then add a Blue rectangle on a layer behind everything.

Ares Hovhannesyan
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 20, 2025

There are some option in Layer Options that can control some features. Please check.

Participating Frequently
July 20, 2025

That is how all 3 layers look in my options box. 

Thanks Ares.

Ares Hovhannesyan
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 21, 2025

That looks normal. What if you reorder layers. Is there some changes in result? Is possible to share file here via any cloud to download and test?

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 20, 2025

Can you please show screenshots of the layers panel?

And of the exported design?

 

Which PDF app are you using?

Participating Frequently
July 20, 2025

Here are screen shots of the text layer and the export to Adobe Acrobat 2025.001.20529. Only the layer with the Lifetime Member badge shows up in the pdf. 

Thanks for your help.