[EN] Check: Layers used

Description

Beginning with PDF 1.5 (Acrobat 6), layers—referred to as "Optional Content" in the PDF specification—are supported. However, they are not permitted in certain PDF-based ISO standards.

This message indicates that the PDF document contains layers (also known as Optional Content Groups, or OCGs). Layers in a PDF allow for grouping content that can be selectively shown or hidden on screen or in print. This functionality is particularly useful in interactive or dynamic documents, as well as in graphic design and prepress workflows, for managing different versions of a document.

However, certain PDF standards—such as PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-3—explicitly prohibit the use of layers, as they may complicate the printing process. These standards require the PDF to be a flattened file without interactive or variable content, in order to ensure consistent output during production.

Common Causes

• Use of Layers for Different Versions: When creating PDF documents that contain different versions or variations of a design (e.g., for different target audiences or markets), layers are often used.
• Use of Layers for Layout Options: In some cases, layers are used to add alternative layout options, such as creating documents in different language versions.
• Use of Layers for Interactive Content: PDFs created for digital use (e.g., interactive PDFs) often contain layers to show or hide different content as needed.
• Use of Layers in Image Editing: In prepress workflows, it is sometimes useful to use layers to edit different design elements independently of one another.
• Unsuitable export settings.
• Layers Added to the PDF After Export.

Suggested Solutions

Validate PDF/X Compliance

You are seeing this message because the document uses layers, but a PDF/X standard that does not support layers (such as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-3) has been selected.
If you intend to retain layers in the exported file, please use PDF/X-4, which allows for layered content.
To do this, in the "Export Adobe PDF" dialog, select "PDF/X-4:2010" under the Standard dropdown, or use the Adobe PDF preset [PDF/X-4:2008].

Check Export Settings

Ensure that the InDesign export settings (joboptions) are configured to "Export Layers: Visible and Printable Layers".



 

Inspect the PDF for Layers

Open the PDF in a PDF editor such as Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Navigate to Tools > Layers or Optional Content to verify if the document contains layers.
You can also use the Preflight tools in Adobe Acrobat Pro to quickly identify layered content.

Remove Layers

If the document must comply with a PDF/X standard that prohibits layers—such as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-3—all layers must be removed.

In Adobe Acrobat Pro:

• Go to Tools > Layers,

• Disable the layers, and

• Flatten the file by creating a version in which all content is merged into a single layer.

Alternatively, export the file to a PDF/X-compliant format that automatically flattens or removes layers during conversion.

Convert the Document to a Flattened Version

A straightforward way to create a flattened PDF is to print the document to PDF:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

2. Choose File > Print.

3. Select Adobe PDF as the printer.

This process will remove all layers and save the document as a flattened PDF.

⚠️ Ensure that all content is accurately merged during flattening to guarantee consistent and predictable print output.