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Whenever I save an AI file as EPS with each artboard as a separate file, if one of the Artboards has a layer that is empty, it will delete it the layer, which is fine, but it won't keep each layer's hidden/show value, but, instead, will shift the layers to fill on the deleted one, but keep the show/hidden values based on location in the layers panel. For example, 1 - hidden, 2 - Show, 3 - Hidden 4- Show, and if one of the EPS exports with nothing in layer 2, then it will shift 3 up to 2, and show it and 4 up and hide it.
Is this a "feature" or a bug? Is there a setting or registry edit to fix this?
The first thing to do is ask (yourself) why saving as EPS is necessary. The format is effectively obsolete, and with each update of Illustrator, the relative gap in feature support grows. You see it yourself as the features and logic of your files fall away.
If there is some legacy workflow or deployment requirement that demands EPS, then save a copy in that format for delivery and don't expect to edit it again. For your working files you'll reopen, native .AI and Illustrator PDF are far, far
...As John said the EPS format is mostly considered obsolete. More importantly, though, the problem you're having may be a result of the fact that EPS has not been updated since the 1990s and Illustrator artboards did not come out until CS4 in 2008. This information could give you a bargaining point with your employer. The native .ai format or x-4 pdf are the best formats to export Illustrator as they are current formats that will not force you to compromise.
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The first thing to do is ask (yourself) why saving as EPS is necessary. The format is effectively obsolete, and with each update of Illustrator, the relative gap in feature support grows. You see it yourself as the features and logic of your files fall away.
If there is some legacy workflow or deployment requirement that demands EPS, then save a copy in that format for delivery and don't expect to edit it again. For your working files you'll reopen, native .AI and Illustrator PDF are far, far better choices.
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It's my employer. They asked for EPS exports. The printer we use "prefers" EPS. There have been some "issues" with PDF.
The rep that sold us and trained us, and the susequent documentation, for a Rolanda printer asks for EPS, too.
Long and short: as of right now, PDF, which I prefer, just isn't an option.
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Which version of Illustrator are you using?
Can you share a sample .ai file?
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As John said the EPS format is mostly considered obsolete. More importantly, though, the problem you're having may be a result of the fact that EPS has not been updated since the 1990s and Illustrator artboards did not come out until CS4 in 2008. This information could give you a bargaining point with your employer. The native .ai format or x-4 pdf are the best formats to export Illustrator as they are current formats that will not force you to compromise.