Way to change PDF layer settings and save back to PDF?

[Papierschnitzel]

Is there a way to configure the layers (on/off) in a PDF as you like and then save this status, so that when I open the PDF later again it will use this setup and not the default layer structure?


I get asked about this by users who want to configure a PDF and then send it to a digital printing service. So far I have not been able to do this with the free Acrobat Reader tool. Is there a way I don't know or are there other free software tools that would be able to do that?


TIA Chris

[SCEtoAUX]

Yes, install a virtual pdf printer like CutePDF Writer.
Configure the pdf like you want it to look.
In the print dialogue choose CutePDF Writer as the printer.
The pdf will print like you you configured it.

Foxit also has a virtual pdf printer. There are other virtual pdf printers out there.

I have been using CutePDF Writer for decades and have had no problems with it.

[Papierschnitzel]

That sounds very interesting. Thank you for the tip!

[SCEtoAUX]

Those virtual pdf printers are handy. They save the print job as pdf files instead of actually printing a hard copy. You can then print the pdf later with your actual printer or take the pdf to a print shop and have them print it.

[Vermin_King]

On most windows computers you should also have the 'Export to PDF' option these days.


On my old computer I used CutePDF, so I still use it on paper models and just use Export to PDF on text documents