From the right panel, select Bookmarks, then select the new bookmark icon.
Last updated on
Jun 7, 2026
Learn how to add navigation controls that help users move between layers in a PDF.
Before you begin
Make sure the PDF contains multiple layers.
You can create layer navigation by associating layer visibility with bookmarks or link destinations. This lets users switch between predefined layer views, such as alternate designs, languages, or technical details, without manually toggling layers.
Associate layers with bookmarks
Select the bookmark label in the Bookmarks panel and enter a descriptive name.
Select the newly created bookmark, then select the Options menu and choose Properties.
In the Bookmark Properties dialog box, select the Actions tab.
From the Select Action menu, choose Set layer visibility and select Add.
Select OK to save the bookmark action.
Associate layers with link destinations
Select Menu , then select View > Show/Hide > Side panels > Destinations.
From the Options menu in the Destinations panel, select New Destination and enter a name for the destination.
Select the Link tool and drag a rectangle where you want to create the link.
In the Create Link dialog box, select Go to a page view, then select Next.
In the dialog box that appears, select Set Link. The link is created.
In the Link Properties dialog box, select the Appearance tab and set the appearance of the link.
Select the Actions tab, select Set Layer Visibility from the action list, then select Add.
Select OK to apply the link behavior.
Tip
Close the dialog boxes and test your link by selecting the Hand tool and selecting the link area.
Note
If you change the layer visibility using the eye icon, the visibility changes aren’t recorded in the Navigation toolbar. Use bookmarks or link destinations to create navigation controls.
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