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connord78075528
connord78075528
Participant
December 12, 2018
Answered

Exporting to a PDF Without Hidden Layers

  • December 12, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 6574 views

I'm trying to export an InDesign file to a PDF without hidden layers. Right now, whenever I export to a PDF, a bunch of extra invisible text is also exported and it messes with our searchability. The text is invisible in the PDF, but when you do a CTRL+F the hidden text shows up.

For example, we have a master InDesign file with all of our offices (50+) contact information in it. We then reference it in other InDesign files when we want to include our company contact information for that office. However, when the InDesign is exported, the invisible information is also included and the contact info for a bunch of other offices is still somewhere in the PDF.

Is there a way to export from InDesign into a PDF that would not include that other hidden information?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Laubender

Hi Sjaani ,

I also tested this. Text will be still there if you export with Acrobat Layers enabled.

I assume our OP, connord78075528,  needs a layered PDF like that:

Note: If Acrobat Layers are enabled ALL layers are exported. Also the hidden ones. Even if you set property Export Layers to Visible Layers Only.

To prevent that objects on the hidden layers are exported you have to set all objects on that layers to non-printing with InDesign.

You have to do that spread by spread in the InDesign document, because you cannot select all objects on a layer document wide if there is more than one spread. A script could help to automate that task.

Regards,
Uwe

3 replies

Eugenio.NYC
Eugenio.NYC
Participating Frequently
December 12, 2018

Hi

Are you opening the pdf with Acrobat or with the windows viewer?

Best

E

Sjaani
Community Expert
SjaaniCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 12, 2018

Which version of InDesign are you using and what operating system are you on?

I've just done a quick test using Notes or Layers to hide text and neither is visible or searchable in a PDF.

Can you supply an InDesign screenshot showing how you have the hidden text set up in the layers.

L
Community Expert
LaubenderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 12, 2018

Hi Sjaani ,

I also tested this. Text will be still there if you export with Acrobat Layers enabled.

I assume our OP, connord78075528,  needs a layered PDF like that:

Note: If Acrobat Layers are enabled ALL layers are exported. Also the hidden ones. Even if you set property Export Layers to Visible Layers Only.

To prevent that objects on the hidden layers are exported you have to set all objects on that layers to non-printing with InDesign.

You have to do that spread by spread in the InDesign document, because you cannot select all objects on a layer document wide if there is more than one spread. A script could help to automate that task.

Regards,
Uwe

Steve Werner
Community Expert
Steve WernerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 12, 2018

Note to choose Enable Acrobat Layers, at the top of the dialog you need to choose Compatibility: Acrobat 7 or higher.

L
Community Expert
LaubenderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 12, 2018

Hi connord78075528 ,

select all objects on all layers you want to hide and make them non-printable.

Regards,
Uwe

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