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swesley · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2007, 12:48 PM

Finally figured it out. Don't know why it took so long to figure this one out. Use "Export to PDF" ticket and select "PDF for Illustrator 10 or above" from pulldown menu. Open the PDF in Illustrator 10, Yes, 10. Save file as an Illustrator file with PDF compatability. (Note all your layers from Esko are there). Open in CS, CS2, or CS3. and you will have all your layers. Keep in mind you now have a pretty exotic Illustrator file with images embedded. All transparencies are honored. Killer file, but you will have your clients asking you how you built it! Esko support seems to be unaware of this from those I have asked.

Prepress_Sam · #12 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 03:52 AM

I've heard you can open the exported PDF in AI10 and it keeps the layers. I don't have AI10 installed any more so I can't test this. A concern would be how the transparencies are handled. I wouldn't recommend this without some thorough testing.

swesley · #13 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 05:19 AM

We have been using the conversion for quite a while. Yes, you do have to pay attention to how it is put together. Of course it depends on the final use of that Ilustrator file. Check out how a multi-channel ct comes back out in your file. Having the export option available to keep your layers is really a great tool to have in you bag if you build your file accordingly. I do however get a nasty look from the IT department when I insist I need 10 on my machine!

Lvis · #14 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 05:33 AM

Check again with Esko: BackStage 7 (and PackEdge 7) can export PDF-for_Illustrator AND keep you layers in AI now. (BackStage 2 is 2 years old now).

swesley · #15 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 05:43 AM

I have been using the conversion while we wait for the upgrade to Software Suite 7. Don't know when we will get it. I believe it was only officially released a week or so ago.

Lvis · #16 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 06:04 AM

ok- v7 was released on 7-7-7 (see Esko.com) - can take a while - depends on how fast your service-centre wants to get everybody upgraded. Is this feature a good reason to get some priority? ;-)

swesley · #17 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 06:07 AM

Problem is, the upgrade is pretty major depending on what you are currently running. In our case, ALL new software. Also a week on site training.

Prepress_Sam · #18 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007, 06:51 AM

Getting an Esko 7 PDF back to an Illustrator CS2 file with layers is possible. The Mac that is opening the file must have Esko's newest EPF export plug-in off of their website or the Deskpack 7 plug-ins.