PDF Bookmarks Not Reflecting Correct Hierarchy During Export

Report · Sep 06, 2024

Hi all,

I've got an issue I'm trying to look for a fix for.

I've created a file with a ToC that consists of the following hierarchy:

H1

> H2

>> H3

I've set the ToC to 'Create PDF Bookmarks'.

In a few instances of the file I've got some headings as follows:

H1

>> H3

>> H3
>> H3

etc.

When I export the file to PDF, Acrobat takes the first H3 and makes it a H2, so it ends up like this:

H1

> H2

>> H3
>> H3

etc.

Without changing all the H3s to H2s where this occurs, and without having to adjust the bookmarks manually in Acrobat, is there an easy fix I'm missing such that I can make the change once in the file and have it correctly export?

Many thanks,

Glynn

Report · Sep 06, 2024

Hi @monkeyblood,

Thank you for reaching out, and I understand how frustrating it must be when the PDF bookmarks don’t reflect the correct hierarchy during export.

Would you mind trying the below steps?

1. Ensure the correct styles are applied consistently throughout the document. H1, H2, and H3 should have unique paragraph styles and levels set.
2. Go to 'Layout > Table of Contents' and verify that the hierarchy of each heading level (H1, H2, H3) is correctly set in the 'Include Paragraph Styles' section.
3. When exporting to PDF, make sure the ‘Bookmarks’ option is checked under 'Export Adobe PDF' settings.

This should ensure that the bookmarks reflect the correct structure. If the issue persists, please feel free to share more details, and we’ll be happy to assist further!

Best,
Abhishek Rao