Illustrator to multipage PDF help

[cre81ve]

OK, I can usually figure this stuff out no problem, but "help" was no help.

I have a multi-layered illustrator file and want to create a pdf with one page from each layer. How do I do it from illustrator? I have been doing it the long way (save as pdf, switch layers, save as pdf, etc...then assemble in acrobat pro).

Thanks,

-Cre81ve

[CkretAjint]

I only know of the long way as well.... :(

If someone knows of a different way, HOOK US UP!!!

[doubting_thomas]

I have a multi-layered illustrator file and want to create a pdf with one page from each layer. How do I do it from illustrator? I have been doing it the long way (save as pdf, switch layers, save as pdf, etc...then assemble in acrobat pro). As far as I know, this is how it's done. The only other option you might have
is to create an action. Have you tried looking on Adobe's website for an
action list that will do it?
I personally hate getting Illustrator files set up that way. It's a single
page application, after all.

[PrintDriver]

I laughed at this. Now you know how a printer feels when he gets one of these things. If you want multipage, use InD or Quark.

[Ned]

Create a document width to encompass all your pages on one artboard (I would use rectangles converted to guides to place my pages), then in your print dialogue, turn on tiling by choosing "Tile Full Pages". Then when you save as PDF, in your PDF Settings dialogue, check "Create Multi-page PDF from tiles".

[cre81ve]

PrintDriver - You may laugh, but while I am designing business cards (for example) I keep all the files together so I am not working with a mess of files and so I can make changes easily on one/all, I need seperate pages for a pdf proof for the client. I don't prepare for print until I am ready to actually go to print at which time I create seperate files for each. I am surprised you never work this way.

Ned - Thank you. I will need to try again, I have a hard time getting this process to work. Are you in CS3?

[budafist]

PrintDriver - You may laugh, but while I am designing business cards (for example) I keep all the files together so I am not working with a mess of files and so I can make changes easily on one/all, I need seperate pages for a pdf proof for the client. I don't prepare for print until I am ready to actually go to print at which time I create seperate files for each. I am surprised you never work this way.?

That is good then. I was going to say that I've yet to receive a multipage document set up like that. I'm not sure any of the designers that send stuff to me work like that, but maybe they do and they just correct the files before they send them to me. Maybe the do value their kneecaps ;)

[Silence04]

you have to set your illustrator document as a multipage layout, then print to pdf. ;)

[Silence04]

oops... ned got it.

[mojoprime]

i must be a doofus, but i never heard of the multipage concept till now. i guess it's just as well; i would think it better -- if possible -- to use indesign or quark for a multipage document.

but, i do love learning something new. thanks, ned and silence!

[Craig B]

There's a script on Adobe Forums that might do it. Click here (http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bc48864).

It sounds like the OP needs something different than Ned and Silence's solution. Ned and Silence would mean he'd have to move the layers onto separate tiels to export them as separate pages.

[Craig B]

If you have InDesign you could do the following:

1. Place the layered .ai file into InDesign.into an identically sized document (however, use the import options button to make your art trim to the media size to make sure the elements stay in the right spot relative to the page)

2. Duplicate that page so you have as many pages as you have layers.

3. On each page, right click on your art, choose "object layer options" and option click on the layer you want to be visible. (it's important to [b]option clikc[/b[ on the layer because that selects just that layer and deselects all of the rest.

4. Start with layer 1, click to next page to layer 2, etc., etc.

5. PDF

It's a little clunky, but the nice thing is if you keep your layers, your InDesign file will update the content if you make changes.

[PrintDriver]

I don't work this way cuz I know what a b*tch it is to get the work out of the layers. But I do have designers send me this junk and I have to take it apart.

Now I'm not condoning this, and any printer will want to kill you, never mind the kneecaps, he'll beat you to death with your bloody legs if you send anything out using this plugin, but check this out:
http://hotdoor.com/index.php?content=multipage&navcontent=multipage

Illustrator is NOT a multipage layout program. End of story. Please use proper tools. Thank you.

[budafist]

If you have InDesign you could do the following:

1. Place the layered .ai file into InDesign.into an identically sized document (however, use the import options button to make your art trim to the media size to make sure the elements stay in the right spot relative to the page)

2. Duplicate that page so you have as many pages as you have layers.

3. On each page, right click on your art, choose "object layer options" and option click on the layer you want to be visible. (it's important to [b]option clikc[/b[ on the layer because that selects just that layer and deselects all of the rest.

4. Start with layer 1, click to next page to layer 2, etc., etc.

5. PDF

It's a little clunky, but the nice thing is if you keep your layers, your InDesign file will update the content if you make changes.

If they had Indy, they should do the job properly!