Removing and flattening layers

[pmartin]

For our documentation, we have a time stamp added as a layer to indicate when and by whom the file was pulled from the repository. We need to remove that timestamp for markups and the like. In Acrobat 9 Pro, this is done by making the layer invisible and then flattening the layers. After the file is saved, the layer with the timestamp is effectively gone.

In Exchange Editor 8, I can make the layer invisible. There doesn't appear to be a flattening option. After saving and reopening it, the layer is back. Likewise deleting the layer. The difference is that after deleting it, it also reappears in Acrobat and the layer no longer appears in the layer listing - it's apparently been flattened without directing it to be.

How do I permanently remove a layer?

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hi, pmartin

Layers in the PDF work a bit differently compared to other formats, This article provides more details, but generally speaking Layers are "visibility groups". As for flattening, this function can be found in the "Layers" pane and should work the same way as it does in adobe, at least it does in my tests. Please let me know if you are seeing differently.

PDFXEdit_6osShl0D8v.png

Just hide the layer in question and then click this button.

Kind regards,

[pmartin]

And thus my issue ...

When I pull down the Options menu, I don't have a Flatten All Layers selection. Looks just like yours, but no option.
Not even greyed out ...

How do I correct this?

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hi, pmartin

Are you running the current latest build of the Editor? WE are now in V8 build 337.0, so if not please try updating first. If that does not help, please reset all settings (File > manage settings > reset settings) and then check to see if this option has returned?

Kind regards,

[Puffolino]

Flatten all Layers works here, but before restoring menus and such things, I would use the Quick Launch (Ctrl+.) to search for a function...

When you are "Flattening Layers", ALL objects within hidden layers will be deleted.
When you are "Deleting Layers", ALL objects, also within hidden layers won't get touched.

Anyhow there are many other things which could be improved with layers, "flatten selected layer" would be fine, but also shortcuts working in all other panels (Ctrl+A to select all entries) don't work in the layer list.
I am relatively sure, that there is NO possibility to assign any object (path, text,...) to a certain layer.
I am missing layer related options in certain dialogs, for instance in "Extract pages". Some more points are here)

[Sasha - PDF-XChange]

Hello Puffolino,

We are actively working on layers functionality as we speak.
We'll include moving content items and annotations to a selected layer, dropdown menus and format tab improvement with the commands that will ease up the usage of layers. Also, D&D of the content and comments to the layers pane will be implemented.
Another big feature that is actively being developed is a Defaule Layer combo that will add all of the new content/comments into the selected layer by default.
Also, the Import as Layer feature is planned after all of the above is implemented.
All of this should be included in the V9 of the Editor.

Cheers,
Alex

[Puffolino]

Wow !

[Sasha - PDF-XChange]