Flatten Documents

Convert interactive elements and transparency into static content for reliable output.

What is Flattening?

Flattening converts dynamic or layered content into static elements:

Annotations become part of the page content
Form fields become static text/graphics
Transparency is converted to opaque objects
Layers are merged into a single layer

Flattening is often required for printing, archival, or compatibility with older PDF readers.

When to Flatten

For Print Production

Print shops may require flattened files
Ensures consistent output across RIPs
Prevents transparency-related issues

For Archival

PDF/A-1 doesn’t support transparency
Ensures document looks the same over time
Removes interactive elements

For Distribution

Prevents form editing
Locks annotations in place
Reduces file complexity

Flattening Annotations

Open Flatten Dialog

Click Tools → Flatten → Flatten Annotations

Select Annotation Types

Choose which annotations to flatten:

Comments
Markup (highlights, underlines)
Stamps
Drawings
Text boxes

Choose Pages

Select pages to flatten:

All pages
Current page
Page range

Flatten

Click Flatten to apply

Flattening annotations is permanent. You won’t be able to edit, move, or delete them afterward.

Flattening Forms

Open Flatten Dialog

Click Tools → Flatten → Flatten Form Fields

Review Fields

See all form fields that will be flattened:

Text fields
Checkboxes
Radio buttons
Dropdowns
Signature fields

Choose Options

Include field values: Keep filled-in data
Remove empty fields: Don’t show unfilled fields
Preserve appearance: Maintain visual formatting

Flatten

Click Flatten to convert fields to static content

Flattening Transparency

Transparency flattening converts:

Semi-transparent objects
Blend modes
Soft masks
Drop shadows

Open Transparency Flattener

Click Tools → Flatten → Flatten Transparency

Set Flattening Options

Configure how transparency is handled:

Option	Description
Raster/Vector Balance	Higher = more vectors, sharper
Line Art Resolution	DPI for vector-to-raster conversion
Gradient Resolution	DPI for gradients
Text Resolution	DPI for text converted to outlines

Preview

Click Preview to see the result before applying

Apply

Click Flatten to process the document

Flattening Quality Settings

Preset	Use Case	Quality
Low Resolution	Proofs, screen viewing	Lower quality, smaller file
Medium Resolution	Office printing	Balanced quality
High Resolution	Commercial printing	Best quality, larger file
Custom	Special requirements	You control all settings

Flattening Layers

View Layers

Click View → Navigation Panels → Layers to see document layers

Select Layers to Flatten

Choose which layers to merge:

All layers
Visible layers only
Selected layers

Flatten Layers

Click Tools → Flatten → Flatten Layers

Confirm

Review and confirm the operation

Full Document Flatten

To flatten everything at once:

Click Tools → Flatten → Flatten All
Select what to flatten:
- Annotations
- Form fields
- Transparency
- Layers
Choose quality settings
Click Flatten

Flattening Options

Annotations Options

Option	Effect
Flatten all	Include all annotation types
Flatten visible only	Skip hidden annotations
Preserve replies	Keep comment threads visible
Remove after flattening	Delete annotation data

Form Options

Option	Effect
Keep values	Show filled-in data
Show borders	Retain field boundaries
Flatten buttons	Convert buttons to images
Remove actions	Strip JavaScript

Transparency Options

Option	Effect
Preserve overprints	Maintain overprint settings
Convert text to outlines	Prevent font issues
Clip to page	Remove off-page content

Before and After

Before Flattening

Interactive form fields
Editable annotations
Transparent overlays
Multiple layers

After Flattening

Static text and graphics
Non-editable content
Opaque objects
Single layer

Best Practices

Work on a copy: Always flatten a copy, not your original
Preview first: Check the result before committing
Match output needs: Use appropriate quality for your use case
Document changes: Note when and why you flattened

Common Issues

Text Quality

Problem: Text looks fuzzy after flattening transparency

Solution: Increase text resolution or check “Preserve text as vectors”

File Size

Problem: Flattened file is much larger

Solution: Lower resolution settings or optimize after flattening

Color Shifts

Problem: Colors change after flattening

Solution: Use “Preserve overprints” and verify color settings

Missing Content

Problem: Some content disappears

Solution: Check layer visibility settings before flattening

Tips

Always keep an unflattened copy
Use Preview to check results before applying
Higher resolution = better quality but larger files
Flatten as the last step in your workflow
Test flattened output matches your expectations

Next Steps

PDF Standards - Convert flattened documents to PDF/A or PDF/X
Preflight Checks - Verify flattened output meets print requirements
Booklet Printing - Create booklet impositions from flattened PDFs