How to Flatten PDF: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Quickly flatten a PDF

Last Updated: November 8, 2022

Flattening a PDF is easy in Adobe Acrobat Pro! The built-in Flattener Preview feature lets you edit the flattening and see a preview before you save the PDF. Flattening makes the file smaller and prevents changes from being made to variable fields. This wikiHow shows you how to flatten a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Things You Should Know

Make a copy before you flatten. It’s easier to edit an unflattened PDF.
Go to Tools > Print Production > Flattener Preview.
Adjust the flatten options and click the print button to flatten the PDF.

Steps

1
Make a copy of your PDF. This is an optional step. Flattening a PDF prevents you from editing it and making changes to fields. Making a copy preserves the original file so you can go back to it if needed.^{[1]
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- If you’re just getting started, check out our guides on how to install Adobe Acrobat and how to use it.
2
Click Tools. This will open a dropdown menu.
- Make sure you’re done editing the text, deleting items, and completing any final changes before flattening.
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3
Select Print Production. Then click Flattener Preview. This will open a flattening editing menu with a preview window.
4
Click the print button. Change the flattening settings to get the right look, or choose a default preset. Clicking the print button will confirm your options and flatten the PDF.