Any pdf has layers. Just open it up in Illustrator, they’ll be there. But they wont look like the White House’s version. And yes, the text turns into image files that can be further edited, in Photoshop for instance. Which is exactly what that White House document looks like.
I agree with Nate. It doesn’t appear anything was substituted, just that it’s been altered. Maybe it is a result of what Nate is trying to duplicate. But so far he hasn’t come very close.
I’ve cobbled together a file combining the AP version and a clean safety paper background. It looks close to what that certificate should look like if it were simply scanned in and saved as tiff.
Performing the steps Nate takes, I can’t duplicate the White House version appearance either.
I wish I could have a whack at it, love these challenges. Let it be for a bit, something may come to you how to build the layers. I'd mask off the basic document and try to get the security paper under it right. See what you can come up with. Don't alter anything you don't have to.
I took a course in PS but don't remember what clipping is; I do know different ways of masking and could generate that security paper from scratch.
My birth cert which was a later issue than an official one I'm sure I had formerly has that same security paper as well, just lighter.
Mine came from a book, too, at one time but looks much nicer, no distortions, shadows or curvature, doesn't mean anything. I'm guessing they did a better job of archiving and could extract the data and print it out on these pre-designed blank forms. Now I think all the data in the book has been entered into a database.
If you come up with something, just let us know, don't keep the file too long or post it because I think that could get you into trouble since it's Obama's. Even my own, not a good idea to post even though YT'ers are doing it as examples.
Don't take me too seriously; I'm not sure if I'm willing to spend any time on it. I want to finish my next video and once I read on apple site how easy it is to make music with garage band, I want to get a cable for my electronic keyboard. Their version for their ipad is supposed to be easier so I'm going to have to struggle with my version.