illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (2024)

illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (1)

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/t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/td-p/14845131 10 hours ago 10 hours ago

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Illustrator version: 28.7.1

but it happened also in previous versions

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illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (2)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (3)

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (7) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (8)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845157#M419346 10 hours ago 10 hours ago

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    When editing an Illustrator file, always save as .ai

    A pdf is not intended for editing.

    If you want to save as PDF and also need to edit the Illustrator file, save a copy or make sure that the "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities" option is checked.

    Just saving as PDF without that option will remove layers and other Illustrator options.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (9)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (10)

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    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845176#M419347 10 hours ago 10 hours ago

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    In Response To Ton Frederiks

    We also need pdf with layers for client.

    The problem does not affect all PDF files. So far I have only had 3 cases. I have been using illustrator for many years and this has never happened to me. Im always using default settings for saving as PDF

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (11)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (12) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (13)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845209#M419348 9 hours ago 9 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    I guess you mean layers in the PDF file.

    These are only top layers that are converted to what is called PDF layers, but what are actually ways of grouping content: OCG, Optional Content Groups.

    These will not be there when a PDF withoutIllustrator Editing Capabilities is opened.

    It could be that your file has become corrupted and only the PDF part is opened.

    Where do you save your files?

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (14)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (15)

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    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845231#M419351 9 hours ago 9 hours ago

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    In Response To Ton Frederiks

    I save all files on my company's network drives.

    This is definitely some bug or some problem with random pdfs

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (16)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (17) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (18)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845501#M419383 6 hours ago 6 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    Illustrator does not always work well with network drives.

    Try if saving local and copying the saved file to the network drive helps.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (19)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (20) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (21)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845502#M419384 6 hours ago 6 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    According to this help file "Adobe Technical Support only supports using Illustrator on a local hard disk. It's difficult to re-create or accurately identify network- and peripheral-configuration problems."

    https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/illustrator-support-networks-removable-media.html

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (22)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (23)

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    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845512#M419385 6 hours ago 6 hours ago

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    In Response To Ton Frederiks

    I copied the problematic files to the local drive. Unfortunately it didn't help. If we open the same PDF with Adobe Acrobat Pro, all layers are visible. Illustrator only shows one layer

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (24)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (25) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (26)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845529#M419389 6 hours ago 6 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    Illustrator only reads it's own layers from the Illustrator part of the file.

    Acrobat layers are not really layers, but groups of elements (a single object could be part of many Acrobat "Layers").

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (27)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (28)

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    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845649#M419397 4 hours ago 4 hours ago

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    In Response To Ton Frederiks

    I'm not sure you understood me correctly.
    The pdf file that I opened with Acrobat pro was exported from Illustrator. Later, when I opened the same file with Illustrator, all the layers were merged.
    I didn't do any editing with Acrobat Pro. Some printing houses only use PDF files with layers and color profiles.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (29)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (30)

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    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845673#M419399 4 hours ago 4 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    Please look at this screenshot. This is the same file (created in Illustrator and exported to PDF) opened in Acrobat and Illustrator.
    Acrobat shows all the layers I have created. Illustrator shows only 1 merged layer

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (31)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (32) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (33)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845693#M419402 4 hours ago 4 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg
    @Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg schrieb:


    Acrobat shows all the layers I have created. Illustrator shows only 1 merged layer

    Acrobat layers are not the same as Illustrator layers. Illutrator cannot read PDF layers. It can only read its own layers. If you do not save your PDF "Illutrator editable" OR if saving goes wrong and the file goes corrupt, then your layers are gone.

    Please watch this about Illustrator files:https://youtu.be/IpDh8Y7q8yE

    Illustrator has a special way of saving native files. You should know this in order to be able to set the correct options and to recover some of your artwork when things go wrong. More info about saving files in Illustrator Saving safely: http://vektorgarten.de/illustrator-saving-safely.html ...

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (35)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (36)

    New Here ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845711#M419404 4 hours ago 4 hours ago

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    In Response To Monika Gause

    Now you are teaching me how to save pdf files....

    I'm doing this for 10 years working as graphic designer, Everyhting works fine until last month.

    I just trying to tell you that Illustrator corrupts files that it had previously exported

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (37)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (38) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (39)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845717#M419405 4 hours ago 4 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    That is because something went wrong when saving the file.

    The Illustrator layers were converted to Acrobat "Layers", Optional Content Groups.

    But when the file was reopened in Illustrator, the PDF part was opened. Either because the file was saved without Illustrator Editing Capabilities or because the file became corrupted when saved over a network.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (40)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (41)

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    In Response To Ton Frederiks

    Let me put it to you in a different way.
    The PDF I was opening is from 2022 (created by Illustrator 2022). When I opened it a year ago with the Illustrator 2023 version, everything was fine.
    This pdf has not been modified.
    It's not a matter of wrong file saving.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (42)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (43) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (44)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14845742#M419408 3 hours ago 3 hours ago

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    In Response To Arkadiusz Jas32409061u0tg

    If Illustrator doesn't find an AI file inside the PDF, it will open the PDF. And Illustrator cannot use PDF layers. Illustrator can only use its own layers.

    What happened to your disk all these years? Wouldn't be the first file I've seen to get corrupted. Yes, this includes my own files. Copying them from one drive to another can corrupt them as can a recovery operation. And a lot of other things.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (45)

    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (46) illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (47)

    Community Expert ,

    /t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-flattens-existing-layers-when-opened-pdf/m-p/14846050#M419426 33m ago 33m ago

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    In Response To Ton Frederiks

    Monika described exactly what could have happened. Anyway, you are openin somehow the pdf part and not the .ai part.

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (48)

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    illustrator flattens existing layers when opened (pdf) (2024)

    FAQs

    How do I flatten a layer in Illustrator PDF? ›

    Flattening will combine all visible objects into a single layer. Press `Ctrl + A` (Windows) or `Command + A` (Mac) to select all the elements on your artboard. Go to the "Object" menu, click "Flatten Transparency".

    How do I flatten all layers in a PDF? ›

    Open the Layers panel (if the Layers panel is not visible, choose View > Navigation Panels > Layers). Click the Options pop-up, select Merge or Flatten Layers. Remember: flattening layers removes layers that aren't visible onscreen. Save > Print file.

    How do I keep layers in Illustrator PDF? ›

    - Choose "Adobe PDF" as the file format. - In the PDF Options dialog box, select "Save each artboard as a separate page" or "Save layers as Acrobat Layers" if you want to preserve layers. - Adjust any other settings as needed. - Click "Save" to export the file as a multi-page PDF.

    How do I flatten a group of layers in Illustrator? ›

    right-click on the group and select Flatten Layer Group from the dropdown menu.

    Should I flatten a PDF for printing? ›

    With a PDF, what you see is what you will get in your final printed product. Once you have saved your final design file as a PDF, you want to make sure you apply PDF flattening before you submit it to your printer.

    How to flatten a PDF in Revu? ›

    To explore these options, let's look at the “flatten markups” window. In the document menu at the top of Revu, go all the way near the bottom of the menu, select “flatten” (Ctrl+Shift+M). Or, if you have Revu Extreme, you can select “flatten markups” under the batch menu.

    What is the shortcut for flattening a PDF? ›

    Click Document. Click Flatten Markups, or press [ctrl] + [shift] + [m] on your keyboard.

    How do I export all layers from a PDF? ›

    Exporting Layers as Files
    1. Select All Layers. Highlight all your merged layers by clicking the top layer, holding Shift, and clicking the bottom layer.
    2. Export Layers to Files. Navigate to File > Export > Layers to Files . ...
    3. Close the Current Project. ...
    4. Automate PDF Presentation. ...
    5. Save Your PDF. ...
    6. Check the Final PDF.
    Mar 6, 2024

    How do I retain layers in Illustrator? ›

    Paste Remembers Layers in Illustrator

    A convenient way to keep your layers organized is to use the Paste Remembers Layers option, accessed from the Layers panel menu. With this option, the clipboard holds not just the Illustrator artwork, but also information about the layer it originated on.

    Why does my PDF have layers? ›

    Overview. PDF layers allow you to view, navigate, and print layered content in PDFs from applications like InDesign, AutoCAD, and Visio. You can control the display of layers using default and initial state settings.

    What does rasterize mean in Illustrator? ›

    This simply means you are changing the graphics from vector into raster. By default, when you create text and shapes in Illustrator, these are generated as a “vector layer” that uses paths. To rasterize means to convert these paths into small squares of color called “pixels.”

    What is image flattening? ›

    The Flatten Image command merges all of the layers of the image into a single layer with no alpha channel. After the image is flattened, it has the same appearance it had before. The difference is that all of the image contents are in a single layer without transparency.

    How do you flatten a PDF export? ›

    How to flatten a PDF
    1. Complete the PDF document and review it to ensure the inclusion of all necessary data.
    2. Go to File – Print. ...
    3. From the Printer drop-down, select Microsoft Print to PDF. ...
    4. Name and save the flattened PDF File.
    5. Open the flattened file to confirm it aligns with sponsored requirements (ex.

    How do I flatten the transparency of a PDF? ›

    In Acrobat, choose All tools > Print Production > Flattener preview. In InDesign, choose Window > Output > Flattener Preview.

    Can you flatten a file in Adobe Reader? ›

    In the Adobe Acrobat Reader app, select the Home tab at the bottom. In the top right, select the circular Profile icon. On the left side menu, select Preferences. Scroll down to the Sharing heading and turn on the option for Share a Flattened PDF.

    How to save an Illustrator file as an editable PDF? ›

    How to save an editable PDF from Illustrator.
    1. From the File menu, select Save a Copy.
    2. Select Adobe PDF from the Format dropdown menu.
    3. Click Save. This should automatically open the PDF Presets window.
    4. Select your desired settings in the PDF Presets window. ...
    5. Click Save PDF.

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