PDF Layer: What It Is and How to Create?

Ever opened a PDF and noticed you can hide or show different elements? Thinking how that works? It's all because of PDF Layers. They let you control what appears on the page.

But do you know how to create them? And what tools should you use? That's exactly what we'll cover in this guide. Step by step. No confusing stuff.

We'll also talk about UPDF, an awesome PDF editor and viewer. Want to try it yourself? Download UPDF and follow along!

Let's start with the basics.

Part 1. What Are Layers on PDF?

PDF layers are similar to those we use in design tools like Figma. With this feature, you can stack different elements, group them, and even change their arrangement. Moreover, you can hide or show parts of the documents. This makes it easier to focus on what matters.

Let's take an example. Can you see the map in the below picture? It contains different layers for roads, landmarks, and zones. Not only that, you also have the flexibility to turn layers on/off to see specific details.

But the question that might come to your mind is: Why do we need to create PDF layers? The primary reason is that they keep everything organized. They are great for architects, designers, and anyone working with complex PDFs. There is no need to clutter the whole document. Want to check or edit a specific part? Just toggle the layers and do it.

Now that we understand what layers on PDF are, let's explore what tools have this feature!

Part 2. What Tools Have the PDF Layer Feature?

Not all PDF editors support layers, but two popular ones do, which are:

Adobe Acrobat:

A well-known PDF editor that lets you create, edit, and manage layers. You can hide or show elements, rearrange layers, and even lock them to prevent changes.

Bluebeam:

A favorite among architects and engineers. It offers advanced layer management. This makes it easy to organize complex PDFs with multiple design elements.

Both tools are great for handling layers on PDF but can be expensive. We will also explore the alternatives and see how to view them.

Part 3. How to View PDF Layers?

Want to check if a PDF has layers? Good news—it's easy! Most PDF editors with layer support let you toggle layers on or off with just a few clicks.

Here's how to do it with two popular tools:

View PDF Layers in Adobe Acrobat

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Click "View" after clicking the “Menu”.
3. Go to "Show/Hide" > "Side Panels" > "Layers."
4. The Layers Panel will appear on the right.
5. Click the "eye icon" next to any layer to hide or show it.

View PDF Layers in BlueBeam

1. Open your PDF in BlueBeam. Click Window > Panels > Layers or press ALT+Y to open the Layers panel.
2. Click the box next to a layer name to toggle visibility. An eye icon means it's visible. An empty box means it's hidden.

3. Right-click a parent layer and select Show Layer to make it and all child layers visible.
4. Right-click a layer and select Isolate to hide all other layers except the selected one and its children.

Part 4. How to Create PDF Layers?

Creating PDF layers is very simple. You don't need any expert skills to do so. Mostly, people do it to organize content, just like they do with design tools. This section will explore how to add layers in Adobe Acrobat and BlueBeam. You can follow the instructions given below:

Create PDF Layers in Adobe Acrobat

1. Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat. Click the Layers icon on the right panel.
2. Click the menu and select Import as Layer. Then, hit Browse and pick an image (BMP, PNG, JPEG, etc.). Click Open.

3. Choose an Import Option: Create a new layer, add to a group, or copy layers. Adjust the Target Page if needed.
4. Set the Position. Rotate, scale, or move it up or down. Adjust Opacity and Order, too.

5. Click OK. Your new layer is ready!

Create PDF Layers in BlueBeam

1. Open your PDF file. Press ALT+Y or go to Window > Panels > Layers to open the panel.
2. Click the Add Layer menu. Choose where to place your new layer.

○      Select Add Before to place it above the selected layer. If nothing is selected, it goes on top.

○      Select Add After to place it below. If nothing is selected, it goes to the bottom.

○      Select Add Child to nest it under another layer. This works only if a layer is selected.

3. Type a name for your layer and hit OK. That's it! Your new layer is ready.

It is easy to create PDF layers with these two tools. But sometimes, you can also face the PDF layer not showing issues. If you want to know more about it, continue reading.

Part 5. PDF Layers Not Showing? How to Fix?

Opened a PDF, and the layers are missing. That's a legit issue, but don't worry—it's usually an easy fix. Here are some of the common reasons why it happens and their easy solutions.

●  The PDF Doesn't Have Layers

Solution: Ask the sender or check the export settings.

●  Layers Are Hidden

Solution: Open the Layers panel and click the eye icon.

●  PDF Viewer Can't Display Layers

Solution: Use Adobe Acrobat Pro or BlueBeam.

●  The PDF Was Saved Without Layers

Solution: Re-export with layers enabled.

●  The File Is Corrupted

Solution: Try another device or get a fresh copy.

●  Your Software Is Outdated

Solution: Update to the latest version.

Part 6. Bonus Tip: The Best PDF Editor and Viewer

Not everyone needs the PDF layer feature. There are a lot of users who are in search of a reliable PDF editor. So, there is no point in paying that much amount to for software like Acrobat and BlueBeam when you can find an easy and affordable alternative. Let us introduce you to UPDF. It is a complete solution for all your PDF-related tasks.

The best part? UPDF is very easy to use and affordable. You will get everything from reading to editing and even AI assistant without the high price tag. You can check its price and upgrade here after testing the software by clicking the button below.

Key Features of UPDF

●  Read PDFs easily: Change view modes, open PDFs as slideshows, or switch to dark mode.

●  Edit PDFs: Fix typos, change fonts, or replace images without extra steps.

●  Organize PDF pages: Rotate, delete, or reorder pages in just a few clicks.

●  Fill out and sign forms: Type directly into forms and add your signature with ease.

●  Convert PDFs: Turn PDFs into Word, Excel, or images without losing quality.

●  Protect files: Add passwords or restrict editing to keep your documents safe.

●  Work across devices: Use it on Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android without hassle.

To know more about UPDF, you can watch this video and check out this review article.

Conclusion

Wrapping it up! PDF layers are an easy way to manage multiple elements in a document. You can hide, rearrange, and even group them just like you do in design tools. This article has explored how you can view and create PDF layers using Adobe Acrobat and BlueBeam. But not everyone needs a PDF layer feature. If you want a simple, affordable, and reliable way to read and edit PDFs, download UPDF. Try it out and make PDF editing easier!