To edit a tech pack in Adobe Illustrator, open the PDF with File → Open or send your saved PDF through the AI Tech Packs plugin. What you can edit depends on how the PDF was created. Start by checking which text, lines and images you can select.
Two ways to open a tech pack in Illustrator
| Option | Use it for | Before you start |
|---|---|---|
| Download and open PDF | Open a page and work with the text or artwork Illustrator can edit. | Check the imported page first. Some elements may be flattened into an image. |
| Send to Illustrator panel | Send a saved PDF straight from AI Tech Packs to the plugin panel. | You need a Designer-plan or approved account, a connected panel and a saved PDF. |
If you have the original vector file for a flat sketch, use that for drawing changes. Opening a PDF won't restore layers or artwork that weren't saved in it.
Open a tech pack PDF in Illustrator
- Download your tech pack PDF from AI Tech Packs and keep a copy of the original. You'll use it to check your changes later.
- In Illustrator, choose File → Open and select the PDF. For a multi-page document, choose the page you need, a range, or All in the PDF Import Options dialog. To work with the objects on the page, leave “Import PDF pages as links for optimal performance” unchecked. Adobe explains the options in its PDF import instructions.
- Try selecting the text, lines and images separately. Some elements may be flattened into an image or converted to outlines. Adobe notes that a PDF saved without Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities can flatten transparency when reopened in Illustrator.
- To reach artwork inside a clipping group, select the group in the Layers panel, then choose Object → Clipping Mask → Release. Check the page afterward: releasing the mask can expose artwork outside its old boundary. See Adobe's clipping-mask guidance for the steps. Releasing a mask won't make a flattened image editable.
- Save your changes as a new Illustrator file. Check the linework, text, measurements, callouts, page order and linked images before exporting the revised PDF.
Use the AI Tech Packs Illustrator panel
The Illustrator plugin page has the Adobe Exchange install link and plan details. The plugin is available to Designer-plan or approved accounts. Save your tech pack and wait until its PDF is ready before sending it to Illustrator.
- Install the plugin from the Adobe Exchange link on the plugin page and open its panel in Illustrator.
- In AI Tech Packs, choose Connect Illustrator. Generate a connection code, then enter it in the Illustrator panel using Connect to AiTechpacks.
- Save the tech pack and make sure its PDF is ready. Choose Send to Illustrator in the editor, then open the sent document in the panel.
- Open the document and check which parts you can edit. Save your changes in a separate Illustrator file, then export a PDF once you've reviewed it.
The plugin sends your saved PDF. Keep your Illustrator edits as a separate revision and check them against the tech pack in AI Tech Packs before sharing the new file.
Check the revised tech pack before sending it
A small drawing change can affect the instructions your factory follows. Check that the front and back flats, construction notes, artwork placement, materials and measurements still agree. If your edit changes a point of measure, update the measurement spec sheet too. Add a revision number so your factory knows which file to use.
If you're choosing between Illustrator and a dedicated tool for your team, see our tech pack software comparison.
