PROBLEM

Cannot see attributes in a PDF exported from ArcMap

Description

Data attributes are not included in the PDF export from ArcMap even though the 'Layers and attributes' option was selected in the Advanced tab of the Export PDF dialog box.

Cause

This can happen when the map contains one or more layers that are symbolized with transparency or picture marker symbology, and/or the map contains a raster data set that is in the same group layer or above the layer from which attributes are desired.

Solution or Workaround

When either of the conditions described above occur, one or more layers in the map are rasterized so that they are blended together, resulting in the lack of layer and attribute data in the resultant PDF. To verify if the map document contains either transparency or picture marker symbology, see the link in the Related Information section below.

The following are changes to the map that can minimize the effects of rasterization:

  • If the map contains one or more layers symbolized with transparency, remove the transparency from the map or move the layer symbolized with transparency lower in the draw order in the Table of Contents.
  • If the map contains one or more layers symbolized with picture marker symbology, select the PDF export option 'Vectorize layers with bitmap markers/fills'.

Article ID:000010116

Software:
  • ArcMap

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