Why does the publisher create one merged PDF file despite enabling real folder structure?

Issue description

When you publish a set using the publisher and have enabled Create real folder structure in Publisher Set Properties, only one PDF file appears in the output folder, and the expected folder hierarchy and individual PDF files for each layout or subset are missing.

Solution

This occurs because the Merge to one PDF file option is enabled for a folder in your publisher hierarchy. When this setting is active at any folder level, it combines all layouts in that folder into a single PDF file and overrides the real folder structure output.

The Merge to one PDF file option is not available for subfolders if it is enabled on a higher-level folder. To resolve this issue, you need to disable the Merge to one PDF file option for each folder where you want separate PDFs.

Disable PDF merging at folder level

1. Open the navigator and switch to publisher mode.
2. Expand your publisher set to show the folder structure.
3. Select the parent folder containing your PDF layouts.
4. Find the Merge to one PDF file checkbox at the bottom of the publisher panel.
5. Uncheck Merge to one PDF file for the selected folder.
   
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for all folders where you want individual PDF files.
7. Click Publish to generate files with the correct folder structure.

Disable merging for top-level folders

1. Right-click the top-level publisher set folder.
2. Uncheck Merge to one PDF file.
3. Navigate to subfolders and disable merging individually if needed.

Verify output settings

1. Right-click your publisher set and select Publisher Set Properties.
2. Confirm Save is selected as the publishing method.
3. Ensure Create real folder structure is enabled.
   
4. Check that the output folder does not contain existing merged PDF files.
5. Delete previous output files before republishing.

Note: If merged PDF files with the same name already exist in the output folder, new folder structures may not generate. Always clear the output directory before publishing.

If you need more help…

Check out more content on the Support Site, Archicad Help center, or the Graphisoft Learn Portal. You can also contact Technical Support for further assistance.