PDFLayerExtract documentation

PDFLayerExtract checks whether a PDF still contains usable layer structure and, when it does, converts that structure into Illustrator-ready separated files. The layers in question are PDF optional content groups (OCG), the same layers you can switch on and off in Acrobat’s Layers panel.

Why does my PDF open as one layer in Illustrator when Acrobat shows layers?

Acrobat displays PDF optional content groups. Illustrator does not rebuild those groups when it opens a PDF; unless the file was saved with Illustrator editing capabilities, Illustrator typically imports everything as one flattened layer. The layer information is often still inside the PDF. It is just not presented to you in Illustrator. This is the exact case PDFLayerExtract handles: it reads the optional content groups directly and outputs them as separate files you can use in Illustrator. Full explanation: Why Illustrator can’t see the OCG layers in your PDF.

How do I check if my PDF still has recoverable layers?

Two ways:

1. Open the file in Acrobat and look at the Layers panel. If you can switch groups on and off independently, the structure is still there.
2. Upload the file to the free check at app.pdflayerextract.com. The analysis shows exactly which groups exist and what the extracted output would contain, before any payment.

What PDFLayerExtract cannot do

• It cannot recover layers from a PDF that has none. If the file was flattened before or during export, there is nothing to read, and the free check will tell you that honestly.
• It does not convert CDR files and does not reconstruct the original CorelDRAW or Illustrator source file.
• It does not use AI to guess or redraw missing artwork.

Typical situations where it helps

• A client supplies only the final PDF and the source file is lost or unavailable.
• A CorelDRAW workflow must deliver Illustrator-compatible work, and the Corel-exported PDF still preserves its layer groups.
• Packaging and label files where dielines, white ink, varnish or cut lines exist as separate groups that Illustrator flattens on open.
• Screen-print jobs where an early check saves the cost of manual separation work that may not be necessary.

What you get

A ZIP with each recoverable group as a separate Illustrator-ready file, plus an Illustrator import script (.jsx, run through File > Scripts) that brings them into Illustrator as a layered working file. Download access lasts 24 hours after purchase.

Pricing

The layer check and full preview are free. Extraction is a one-time package priced by file size: Small 5 USD, Medium 12 USD, Large 24 USD, Extra Large 39 USD. The exact package for your file is shown with the preview, before any payment. Payment is handled by Paddle. No subscription.

Support

contact@pdflayerextract.com