How to convert sublayers to layers in illustrator and keep the name

[Jared.com]

I am working in illustrator and have files that have 20+ layers all named specifically.  I am working with another piece of software that is integrated with illustrator that sends me back an illustrtator file.  When I open that file the layers have been compressed.

Instead of there being 20+ layers, there is only Layer 1.  All of my 20+ layers have been converted to sublayers.

Is there a way to convert Sublayers to Layers without loosing the layer names.  I need to keep all layer names the same.  That is key.  

Release to layers does do the conversion, but the names are lost.  They come out as layer 1, layer 2, etc.

Any thoughts ?

[Kurt Gold]

You may select (highlight) all sublayers in the Layers palette and drag them above the main (parent) Layer 1.

[Jared.com]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I am not able to drag them above the main parent layer.  I get a circle with a cross through it as I drag above the layer.  That would be an easy solution but it doesn't seem to work.

Am I doing something wrong ? Any other idea's

[Kurt Gold]

Well, then you are probably not talking about real sublayers (technically speaking).

You are talking about single objects inside the main layer, aren't you?

[Jared.com]

Here is a quick screen shot of my layers panel. I set up a quick test layout.  Layer 1 is there and then Test 1, 2, 3, 4 are all sublayers or atleast I thought they were.  Again, I want to keep the names Test 1, 2, 3, 4 and make them layers.

or

The other option would be if I could past into these sublayer from a another .ai drawing that is in layers.  Either would work.

[Kurt Gold]

They are real sublayers and dragging them above Layer 1 should definitely work.

You will have to be a bit careful. Just drag until a blue horizontal line appears above Layer 1. Then release the mouse button.

[Doug A Roberts]

They might be renamed groups. I don't see anything to differentiate the two in the layers panel.

[Jared.com]

No luck with dragging those sublayers to make them into layers.  Illustrator won't allow, I keep getting the cirle with a cross through.  I don't think these are groups either.  I created a super simple new file with only 4 shapes just to test this out.  No groups.

Any other thoughts

[Ares Hovhannesyan]

Try to use this options for your task. That can help

To merge items into a single layer or group, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) and click the names of the layers or groups that you want to merge. Alternatively, hold down Shift to select all listings in between the layer or group names you click. Then, select Merge Selected from the Layers panel menu.

Why can't I merge layers in Illustrator?

Objects can't be merged with other objects. To flatten layers, click the name of the layer into which you want to consolidate the artwork. Then select Flatten Artwork from the Layers panel menu.

[Kurt Gold]

Selected or highlighted main layers and sublayers are marked with a tiny triangle at the top-right corner of the layer entry. Groups and single objects don't have that label. You may check that.

[Jared.com]

Thanks for showing that.  I think the issue is that I am saving my illustrator file as an .svg format.  The .svg format is what is allows me to share the file in the other collaboration software.  I can't leave it as an .ai.  What you showed me with sublayers works in .ai, but not in .svg.  It's very strange.

[Doug A Roberts]

I think perhaps SVG doesn't support sublayers. If you create sublayers, save as SVG, close and reopen the file, they become groups.

[Kurt Gold · Accepted solution]

It would have been pretty useful if you had mentioned your saving to .svg at the beginning of your request.

However, I guess you already know that in the Save as SVG Options dialog there is an option called Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities.

You may check that and do some tests.

[brianj5208620 · Accepted solution]

Don't forget to select the Parent Layer, go to the menu and click RELEASE LAYERS (SEQUENCE).  Then you can select the sublayers and drag them above the parent line.

[Drea23306650ro5b]

Is there any way to keep the sublayer names in the new main layers?

[defaultu1di12nc22sk]

This right here is the actrual correct answer.

[Lars284458588s2h]

It is - but if anyone at adobe reads this: i had to create 198 countries manually - since i cant afford geolayers3. When releasing parent layer, every country is now named layer number x. 

[Monika Gause]

It is - but if anyone at adobe reads this: i had to create 198 countries manually - since i cant afford geolayers3. When releasing parent layer, every country is now named layer number x. 

By @Lars284458588s2h

Is this a problem you need solved? Or a feature request? Or do you just want to add some information to this thread?

[Asc5C55]

Well, there is no reason why named sublayers should be renamed to "Layer [no.X]". There is no utility in that, and the ability to retain the name of the layers would be very helpful (and a non-starter).

[jessiegrace]

Oh my goodness THANK YOU that actually did it for me. No idea what everyone else is talking about.