PDF Layer Management

2D plans Layout
1

Hello

I'd just like to know if it's possible to have the layers in the plans in PDF (to be able to activate / deactivate them from Acrobat Reader).

Thank you very much and have a good day!

2

Hello

That's impossible!

You can export a DXF and do it from AutoCAD (or maybe DraftSight).

https://forum.solidworks.com/thread/65843

 

1 Like
3

Hello

Yes, to my knowledge, it is impossible with a .pdf, 
on the other hand, the use of an eDrawing is perhaps more interesting on this side.

1 Like
4

Hello

same as my 2 colleagues, it's impossible with a .pdf...

1 Like
5

It's a real shame...

We could do some very interesting things with this feature.

Thank you for your answers.

1 Like
6

I agree with Azrod for edrawing. In addition, if you want to send an edrawing file and your interlocutor does not have it, you just have to send it in .exe version  which is created from edrawing by saving it as and there you select .exe...

1 Like
7

Hello
I dig up this old subject...
In Solidworks (2024 for me), is it now possible to export a PDF with layers from a drawing?

8

9 years later... (probably not far from the record)
image

Hello.

=> it is still not possible to manage Solidworks layers in 2D PDF.
On the other hand, 3D pdfs give a little more possibilities but there everything will depend on the reader used...
I therefore refer to the answers above... in addition to the Edrawing format.

9

That's right, 9 years later! And still no improvement at this level!
Super.
Let's keep tinkering. :grin:

10

On the other hand, I have not heard of any request for improvement on this subject.

https://forum.mycad.visiativ.com/t/3dexperience-world-top-ten-list-2025/112070
https://www.goengineer.com/blog/how-to-submit-solidworks-enhancement-request

11

Having used Photoshop and Illustrator, which also have the notion of layer, if I think I remember that an export option allowed me to keep the layers, I don't remember that the exported pdf allowed me to manipulate them (i.e. hide/show).
Even if it is possible to make a request for improvement on this point, not sure that it depends (entirely) on SolidWorks in my opinion.

1 Like