Making PDF maps in QGIS with print composer I often include a link that leads to a live Google map of the meeting location for the group using the map. The maps can include a marked up raster map sitting on top of a Google street map or satellite view with further label and logos added in print composer.
If I check the print composer box to "Print as raster" the PDF file is compact and fast but link text is an image and not recognised as a link. If I leave the box uncheck, the PDFs then have multiple layers, balloon in size and become much slower to render. There is an awkward workaround so the link is recognised, print the map as a tif, load that back onto QGIS, uncheck almost everything then print again. This method however degrades the map quality.
What I am looking for is a way to print the map and all composer items except the box with the link as raster. Any suggestions?