HELP! Exported PDF print file from AD shows object which doesn’t exist on original document!

[Greggry P]

I have an art show coming up in a couple of weeks, and I’m desperately trying to export this print file and it’s driving me mad!

The issue is that on the resulting PDF a cluster of bubbles appears in the lower left hand corner of the background (just above the sink edge) which does not appear in the original artwork (see JPEG).

I’ve been through every layer with a fine-toothed comb numerous times to see if I can locate/delete the offending object, but it just isn’t there. This phenomena only happens when I try to export it as a PDF, where the object suddenly “appears”.

Does anyone have any idea what I’m doing wrong?

Sorry if this is an obvious question, but I’m not hugely proficient with the software, so anny assistance would be hugely appreciated!

Debbie Does Dishes.pdf

[GarryP]

If those bubbles are not a layer of their own, have you checked to see if they are part of another layer?

There may be a problem with some masking where the PDF export isn’t fully applying the mask for some reason, maybe PDF export file type or settings.

[Greggry P]

8 minutes ago, GarryP said:

If those bubbles are not a layer of their own, have you checked to see if they are part of another layer?

There may be a problem with some masking where the PDF export isn’t fully applying the mask for some reason, maybe PDF export file type or settings.

Hi Garry, many thanks for this.

I’m afraid I’ve been through every individual stroke and object on every layer a thousand times, and it just doesn’t exist. There’s just nothing on the art board that isn’t already accounted for, or even that exists in that particular area.

Regarding the export settings, I’ve been exporting according to the screenshot below. As I said in the original post I’m very new to this stuff so I may very well be doing something obviously wrong, so please feel free to point out any setting you think is incorrect or may make a difference?

[GarryP]

Since the software probably didn’t add the bubbles itself, there’s a chance that the layer existed at some point and was deleted but was not deleted properly, but I can’t say.

Have you tried making every layer invisible and then switching them back on, one-by-one, until the bubbles re-appear?
I realise that could be a very long process with such a complex illustration so maybe use some kind of ‘divide-and-conquer’ method – or switch stuff off until the bubbles are gone.

I’m not a PDF export expert myself but someone else should have an idea of what to try, so thanks for giving the screenshot.

If this is an iPad issue then a moderator will probably move the thread to the iPad Questions section of the forums.

[Pauls]

the only thing I can think of is to try the PDF-X4 profile - also completely restart the iPad and close all other apps - it kind of looks like a tile rendering issue.
 

[Greggry P]

57 minutes ago, Pauls said:

the only thing I can think of is to try the PDF-X4 profile - also completely restart the iPad and close all other apps - it kind of looks like a tile rendering issue.
 

Thanks Paul. Again - sorry for asking potentially stupid questions but I'm not remotely good with this stuff - PDF-X4 won't allow me to rasterise everything (which I need to do, otherwise any objects created using the "multiply" blend tone appear as white patches on the exported PDF.

Also, to be clear, the artwork was created on the iPad version, but I'm doing all my exporting on an iMac, because the iPad just takes far too long to perform this task (as it is, the desktop takes nearly an hour!) I used the screenshot of the iPad settings only because I have it to hand, and the settings I've been using are the same.

[Pauls]

MIght be best to send us the source file here so we can investigate

[Greggry P]

25 minutes ago, Pauls said:

MIght be best to send us the source file here so we can investigate

Thanks Paul. Have just sent.

[Pauls]

if you switch to the outline view mode and zoom in/out you will see the errant bubbles appear. They seem to be related to one of the rectangles in the sink area. still not sure if it is a corrupt file problem or just too complicated - its certainly giving my computer a work out!

[Pauls]

The rendering to PDF is incorrect here - however I suspect that group of bubbles was intended to be within the clipping rectangle of the sink area. Switch to outline view mode and you'll be able to move/delete those and get the export you expect. I've added this report to the issue - hope the art show goes well

[Greggry P]

18 minutes ago, Pauls said:

The rendering to PDF is incorrect here - however I suspect that group of bubbles was intended to be within the clipping rectangle of the sink area. Switch to outline view mode and you'll be able to move/delete those and get the export you expect. I've added this report to the issue - hope the art show goes well

Paul - that's amazing. Such a simple solution and I would just never have thought of it!

Thank you so much for your help, it's hugely appreciated. Hope I didn't take up too much of your time!

[Greggry P]

6 hours ago, GarryP said:

Since the software probably didn’t add the bubbles itself, there’s a chance that the layer existed at some point and was deleted but was not deleted properly, but I can’t say.

Have you tried making every layer invisible and then switching them back on, one-by-one, until the bubbles re-appear?
I realise that could be a very long process with such a complex illustration so maybe use some kind of ‘divide-and-conquer’ method – or switch stuff off until the bubbles are gone.

I’m not a PDF export expert myself but someone else should have an idea of what to try, so thanks for giving the screenshot.

If this is an iPad issue then a moderator will probably move the thread to the iPad Questions section of the forums.

Thanks Garry. All sorted now, and I appreciate you taking the time to help. Have a good day. 

[GarryP]

You're welcome. Good to hear that the problem is sorted now.