How to flatten a PDF

If you’re looking to create a print-ready PDF, reduce the file size of a PDF document, or make sure a PDF you’ve created is compatible across devices, you may need to “flatten” your PDF file.

So, what exactly does PDF flattening involve? If you’ve created the PDF using design software, the file likely has multiple interactive layers within it — and not all of those layers are visible onscreen or to a printer. When you flatten the PDF, you convert the different layers in the document into one single layer that is static and noneditable.

A flattened PDF is ideal for printing, enhancing document security, and reducing file size for sharing or archiving purposes. In this article, we explain how to flatten a PDF and walk you through several different methods. But first, let’s look at some of the most common reasons to flatten PDF layers.

Why should you flatten a PDF?

Flattening combines the text, images, form fields, and other layers in a PDF document into a single layer. PDF files are typically flattened to enhance the security of the document and ensure that the file is compatible with multiple devices and printers.

For example, if you’ve created a designed document, such as a poster, you’ll want to print it exactly as it should look. Flattening the document before sending it to the printer ensures the visual elements render correctly in print. Similarly, if you have a highly confidential document, such as a business contract, flattening the file creates a secure PDF, preventing any unauthorized changes.

Another reason to flatten a PDF is to reduce the file size of the document. Simplifying the document structure minimizes the size, which is helpful when emailing or storing large files.

Overall, PDF flattening enhances the security and usability of a document, whether you want to print, store, or share it.

Different methods for flattening a PDF

There are three ways you can flatten a PDF:

1. Use a PDF editor.
2. Use the print-to-PDF method.
3. Use online tools.

Each method has its benefits and drawbacks.

Pro tip: Once you flatten a document, it can no longer be edited. So no matter which PDF flattening method you choose, be sure to work from a copy of your document and keep the original version intact, in case you need to make changes later. 

Using a PDF editor

PDFelement, Foxit PDF Editor, and Adobe Acrobat Pro are all examples of PDF editors you can use to manually flatten PDF layers. Creating a flat PDF is a core functionality of PDF editors, and they work particularly well with large graphic design files. 

With most editors, you can flatten the PDF by opening the print production menu and selecting the flattening option. Keep in mind that while many PDF editors have free versions, some advanced functions may only be available with paid plans.

Using the print-to-PDF method

Another way to flatten a PDF is to simply use the “print to PDF” tool built into your computer’s operating system. Both Windows and macOS have this option in the print menu. This automatically creates a flattened PDF version of the document.

While this method is great for its simplicity and doesn’t require any special software, it isn’t always reliable. For example, sometimes you may lose hyperlinks or other document fields within the flattened PDF file. As a result, it’s not as ideal for PDF optimization as some other tools.

Using online PDF tools

There are plenty of free and low-cost online tools available that provide some of the functionality of a PDF editor. Many of these tools are designed for one or two key functions, as compared to PDF editors that offer a full range of features. 

When selecting an online PDF tool, be sure to go with a reputable solution that has lots of positive online reviews to ensure it will keep your documents safe and secure. Jotform PDF Editor, Smallpdf, iLovePDF, and PDFescape are just a few of the options out there.

Step-by-step guide: How to flatten a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro is a popular PDF editor that offers multiple ways of flattening a PDF. Follow the steps below for simple, no-nonsense PDF flattening — but remember to work with a copy of your PDF file (not the original) because the flattened version will not be editable.

1.      Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.

2.      Click File.

3.      Select Open from the dropdown menu.

4.      Choose the PDF document you want to flatten.

5.      Select Print Production under Tools.

6.      Click Flattener Preview.

7.      Specify the flattening settings you need. For example, you can choose to flatten specific pages or the entire document.

8.      Click Apply.

9.      Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.

Your PDF document will now be flattened, with all interactive elements and layers combined into one static layer. You can save it in the appropriate folder.

Jotform: A PDF editor and more!

There’s no shortage of PDF flattening tools available, but Jotform PDF Editor stands out for its ease of use and massive feature set. With Jotform, you can not only flatten PDFs but also create, edit, and manage them.

Jotform’s PDF Editor helps you create custom PDF documents from form responses, making printing, sharing, or storing form submissions easy. It offers widgets, automation, design customization, communication features, and more. Pick from thousands of ready-made PDF templates, and simply drag and drop them into the PDF editor to customize your PDF.

So, how does flattening a PDF work with Jotform PDF Editor? Instantly merge all the layers within your document to create a single static layer that presents consistently across all devices. Each flattened document is highly secure, ideal for printing, storing, or sharing. And it only takes three quick steps:

1.      Drag and drop your PDF into the PDF flattening tool.

2.      Click Flatten PDF.

3.      Download your flattened PDF.

In addition to flattening PDFs with ease, Jotform offers a number of other PDF editing tools:

• Merge PDF combines multiple PDFs into a single document.
• Split PDF breaks larger documents into smaller ones.
• Compress PDF reduces file sizes without comprising document features.
• AI PDF Summarizer quickly extracts key information from lengthy documents.
• AI Chat with PDF answers questions about the PDF in an interactive way.
• Smart PDF Forms transforms static PDF forms into shareable web forms.

And of course, Jotform’s PDF tools are connected to the entire Jotform ecosystem, with tools for creating online forms, mobile web apps, complex database spreadsheets, stunning reports, and more.

Start flattening your PDFs today

Now that you know how to flatten a PDF, it’s time to give it a try. Whether you’re looking to print a PDF file, store it while saving space, or share it with others, flattening the document first provides great benefits. It ensures your document is secure, noneditable, and properly rendered across all devices and printers.

There are several ways to flatten a PDF, using PDF editors or online tools. Regardless of which route you take, be sure to choose a reputable solution — like Jotform — that can protect the security of your document and flatten your PDF efficiently without compromising any of the document’s key elements.

FAQs

What does it mean to flatten a PDF?

Flattening a PDF means combining all interactive elements of a PDF into a single, static layer. Once a PDF is flattened, it is no longer editable.

Can I flatten a PDF in Acrobat Reader?

Yes, you can. Open the PDF you want to flatten. Click on File, then click Print. Select Print to PDF.

How can I flatten a PDF file on a Mac?

On a Mac, you can flatten a PDF file in the Preview app. Launch Preview, then under the File menu, click Open and select your PDF.  Click File, then select Print. Choose Save as PDF. Click Save.

How do I flatten a PDF in Bluebeam?

To flatten individual markups in Bluebeam, simply click on the markup in the PDF document and select Flatten. To flatten an entire PDF document, click Document and select Flatten. Make the selections you need in the Flatten Markups dialog box. Click Save. Click Flatten.

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