How to re-sync maps so that it adds layers to the existing Illustrator file?

[MelodyPopkin]

I am trying to figure out the consistent method in re-syncing a map compilation so that it adds layers into the existing AI file that already has an embedded map. I can't seem to find any consistencies with my methods. Sometimes it works perfectly and adds the layers into the AI file I already have, and sometimes it creates a brand new AI file. When it does work the way I want it to, I see that the extension will temporarily create a new illustrator file, only to later remove it and proceed to add in the layers in the Illustrator file I am working on.

It does seem that after I do create the duplicate file that is created when I re-sync, that it behaves correctly in adding the layers into itself instead of creating a brand new file.

I have tried the following already:

• Changing the name of the Mapboard to match with the AI file
• Making sure to not press the lock button
• Ensuring that the map is still embedded in the Illustrator file itself
• Maintaining the exact name of the illustrator layers doesn't seem to do or prevent the new file from being generated. I have had scenarios where I removed some illustrator layers, and added new ones, so I do not think this impacts the syncing.
• Making a copy and renaming the file something different in Windows explorer file browser doesn't seem to do or prevent the new file from being generated.
• Saving a new copy with a different name in Illustrator itself also does not seem to do or prevent the new file from being generated.

It seems to have to do with the name of the file and needing to at on an underscore followed by a number. With our filing system, we do not number our files with this method, and we typically resave or rename the file by hand to get the number we want. If I want to keep this method, would I have to accept that the extension will always create a new illustrator file? So I would have to move the illustrator layers over to the file that I am working on? 

I hope this makes some sense! Thanks.

[MelodyPopkin · Accepted solution]

I think I figured out how to make the file behave in keeping the layer within the file that I am working on. The file that you are working on must have an underscore, followed by a number after it in order to resync layers so that they add to the file that you are working on versus creating a brand new file.

[MelodyPopkin]

I'll go even one step further to mention that the name that is generated from the extension when the map is resynced is based on the name of the mapboard. So if you wanted to rename the file something different, you would go into the mapboard options and change the name. When you resync the map, a new AI file will be generated with that new name.

[MadhuraPhaterpekar]

Hi Melody, 

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It looks like its a bug. There seems to be a dependency for the file name to have the mapboard name plus an underscore. I will add an issue for this in development to see if we can remove such file naming dependancy. For now when you create a mapboard use a name that you might want to use for the file. As you have correctly noted the name can be changed until the file is synced. After the sync mapboard and its properties including the name is locked. Unlocking it will result in a new file getting created. 

[MelodyPopkin]

Hi Madhura,

Thank you for your reply to both of my posts! Yes, that would be great to have some notification that a duplicate file will be made when you unlock a given mapboard.

Basically, what I am trying to do is this:

Lets say I create a map and I draw my mapboard and leave the name to the default, "Mapboard". I am logged into ArcGIS in Illustrator, so my mapboard will embedded into my AI file. After creating the AI file based on the layers I wanted to compile, I edit the vector files to my liking, and I save it. I would like to rename my AI file so that it is more easily identifiable, to lets say Map1_032019.ai. 

Lets say a few months down the road I have to go back into Map1_032019.ai to make an update. What I do is make a copy of the file and name it Map2_032019.ai. I do not want to save over or remove Map1_032019.ai just in case I need to rollback to the file. I make my changes to my Map2_032019.ai, lets say I want to add a new layer from my Compilation panel. In an ideal world, instead of creating a new file, it will just add these new layers to Map2_032019.ai, rather than making a new file called Mapboard.ai. 

Currently, my workaround is to go into Mapboard.ai, and then copy the layers/objects that I need, and go back to Map2_032019.ai and Paste in Place my copied items, and then deleting the Mapboard.ai. Ideally, I would like to just the new layers that were made in Mapboard.ai to be stuck into Map2_032019.ai, instead of doing this workaround.

I do know that this workaround works too:

I draw a mapboard and name it My Map. I compile my layers and generate my map. It will save the AI file as My Map.ai. If I want to go back into the map, I make a copy My Map.ai and rename it to My Map_1.ai. Then I open the AI file, work on my layers, and regenerate the map. This temporarily causes Illustrator to create a new file, My Map_2.ai as the map is being generated. As the generation continues, the layers will eventually be moved/created in My Map_1.ai. My Map_2.ai will then be closed and deleted from my folder. When the map is successfully generated, I am left with the new layers that I added on the very top, in my My Map_1.ai file. Then after I am done designing, I close out of the file, and then rename My Map_1.ai to whatever I wish.

I find that this workaround is not worth the extra time and steps needed versus the Paste in Place method that I currently have. I find it a lot easier just to copy what I need, Paste in Place, and then removing the .ai file that I don't need.

Let me know if there is another way that I am missing! Or if there are any questions. Thank you for all your help and insight. 🙂