multi layer PDF export problems when using layer masks

[zilla]

I have come across an issue with PDF exporting and preserving the layer structure when using a layer mask.

here is my file.  there are two layers selected, COLOR and WHITE.   there is a mask applied to each layer.

 

If i remove the two mask and export as a pdf, i get the proper layer structure:

 

however when either of the two masks are applied, the layer structure is NOT preserved in the pdf export:

 

Is there something obvious that I am missing?  

 

 

 

 

 

[Dan C]

Hi @zilla,

Sorry to hear you're having trouble!

Firstly, can you please provide a screenshot of your PDF export settings, including the 'More...' dialog for me?

Secondly, I can see your Mask layers are 'orphaned' from other layers and grouped separately. If you apply the Mask directly to the layer, rather than orphaned in it's own group and export again, does this work as expected?

Many thanks in advance

[zilla]

hi @Dan C,

I'm not sure how to apply the mask directly to the layer.  I'm still learning the ropes on how to do things... i know just enough to be dangerous right now lol

here are my export settings:

[Dan C]

Apologies for the delayed response here and thanks for providing this for me!

I can confirm that with the export settings you have, the 'lone' mask layer has to be converted to a Pixel layer, which is why you're seeing this in the exported file - if possible could you please provide a copy of the Affinity document to your reply here?

If you'd like a private upload link for this document, please don't hesitate to let me know

[Sm4sh]

Hello,

I'm also having the same issue. And that worked before (not sure on which version of Affinity).

Like @zilla, I'm sending the PDF to a printer that uses AI and sees the file as a "clipped group" layer and not like the structure I see. When I reopen the exported file in Acrobat Reader or Affinity all the layers are there.

My export settings are the same as shown by zilla except I use the preset PDF/X-4.

Edited March 20, 2022 by Sm4sh
Sorry, wrong subject.

[zilla]

@Sm4sh i found that one thing that makes affinity poop itself when exporting pdfs is if there is ANY portion of the objects in the file that is outside of the page it will crap out.  this includes the physical object itself but also if you apply a filter and there's a "halo" around the object like if you make it glow or use some kind of diffusion effect.  all of it needs to be within the defined workspace in order for the pdf export to retain its layer structure.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sm4sh]

6 hours ago, zilla said:

@Sm4sh i found that one thing that makes affinity poop itself when exporting pdfs is if there is ANY portion of the objects in the file that is outside of the page it will crap out.  this includes the physical object itself but also if you apply a filter and there's a "halo" around the object like if you make it glow or use some kind of diffusion effect.  all of it needs to be within the defined workspace in order for the pdf export to retain its layer structure.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the answer! 

Yeah, I've read that in the other thread but I have checked that and I'm not finding anything outside the workspace... I'm not using any filters as well...

Any tips for checking that besides Crtl+A and check the selection?

[Dan C]

Hi @Sm4sh,

Welcome to the Affinity Forums & I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble!

It would help to see a copy of your Affinity document, as well as the PDF file you have exported - can you please upload these both to the below link for me?

https://www.dropbox.com/request/4wZLIWTvEMF4zQbrt55x

Once uploaded, please reply here to let me know

[zilla]

19 hours ago, Sm4sh said:

Thanks for the answer! 

Yeah, I've read that in the other thread but I have checked that and I'm not finding anything outside the workspace... I'm not using any filters as well...

Any tips for checking that besides Crtl+A and check the selection?

Yeah i found that too. i had to manually size it down thru trial and error so there were several mm between the edge of the page and the graphic. i couldn't figure out why it wouldn't fit/work at full size since when i did ctrl-a everything was inside of the workspace.

[zilla]

@Sm4sh also i found that layer masks aren't supported in pdf exports.

i had to convert the mask to an object and then use the subtract function to remove it from each letter in the font.  quite a PITA.

 

it would be nice if designer would automatically convert the objects with layer masks applied to them into vector objects (i'd even take raster objects) when you export as a pdf.  hint hint @Dan C

 

[Sm4sh]

5 hours ago, Dan C said:

Hi @Sm4sh,

Welcome to the Affinity Forums & I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble!

It would help to see a copy of your Affinity document, as well as the PDF file you have exported - can you please upload these both to the below link for me?

https://www.dropbox.com/request/4wZLIWTvEMF4zQbrt55x

Once uploaded, please reply here to let me know

Thank you for the reply!

I've just uploaded the files.

[Dan C]

Many thanks for the files provided! I can confirm that we're correctly writing the PDF file from Affinity, which is why the layers show correctly in Acrobat, or when re-importing into Affinity.

Unfortunately the issue with Illustrator adding these 'clipping groups' is a function of Illustrator and not something we can control, my apologies.

This has been discussed at the below link on the Adobe forums -

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/why-do-pdf-imports-have-a-clipping-mask/m-p/11828784#M263694

I hope this clears things up!

[Sm4sh]

On 3/24/2022 at 2:29 PM, Dan C said:

Many thanks for the files provided! I can confirm that we're correctly writing the PDF file from Affinity, which is why the layers show correctly in Acrobat, or when re-importing into Affinity.

Unfortunately the issue with Illustrator adding these 'clipping groups' is a function of Illustrator and not something we can control, my apologies.

This has been discussed at the below link on the Adobe forums -

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/why-do-pdf-imports-have-a-clipping-mask/m-p/11828784#M263694

I hope this clears things up!

Hello, thank you for taking the time to help me.

What is bogging me is that I did successfully export my pdf's to work with Illustrator in the past. This leads me to conclude that some update along the end of 2021 modify the way pdf's are exported...

My last successful exported PDF go back to November 2021.

Maybe I should reinstall that version ?

 

[Dan C]

On 3/26/2022 at 2:09 PM, Sm4sh said:

What is bogging me is that I did successfully export my pdf's to work with Illustrator in the past. This leads me to conclude that some update along the end of 2021 modify the way pdf's are exported...

I suspect this will be related to the Designer file contents directly and not the version of the Affinity app, as none of the updates around this time had specific fixes or changes for PDF export layer control & as you've mentioned the files still show the correct layers in Acrobat and when reopening in Affinity. It's certainly possible that Adobe changed something with their PDF importer during this time, however.

On 3/26/2022 at 2:09 PM, Sm4sh said:

Maybe I should reinstall that version ?

You are welcome to try this if you wish, you can find previous versions linked below -

https://store.serif.com/update/windows/designer/1/

Version 1.10.0 was released in July 2021, with version 1.10.1 in August, version 1.10.4 in October and then the latest release 1.10.5, was in March 2022