Flatten a PDF with Adobe Acrobat.

Learn how to flatten a PDF in a few simple steps with the help of Acrobat’s online tools.

Flattening a PDF means combining the contents into one layer. This process is usually carried out before printing or sharing a PDF to ensure users can’t make further edits. This can be especially useful when working with sensitive documents. Flattening a PDF also maintains the appearance of your file when printing.

Once you’ve flattened a PDF, the original document will no longer be editable, so make sure to save a copy of the original file before you begin.

Ready to get started? Learn how to flatten a PDF with Adobe Acrobat.

In this guide:

• How to flatten a PDF with Adobe Acrobat.
• How to remove layers from a PDF.
• More ways to manage your PDF documents.

How to flatten a PDF with Adobe Acrobat.

It’s easy to flatten a PDF with Adobe Acrobat in one of two ways:

Using the free online compress PDF tool

Using the built-in tools within Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Here’s how to flatten a PDF with Adobe Acrobat Pro:

1. Save a copy of the PDF file so you have an original for safe keeping.
2. Open the duplicated PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and select ‘Print Production’ then ‘Flattener Preview’.
4. Update the Raster/Vector balance to determine how hard the flattener works.
5. Select the option to Convert All Text to Outlines, and uncheck the Clip Complex Regions option.
6. Click ‘Apply’ to flatten the PDF.
7. Exit the Flattener Preview box.
8. Hit print, and you’re good to go.

How to remove layers from a PDF.

Flattening a PDF removes all the layered content that can’t be seen onscreen. But you can also use Adobe Acrobat to select and remove layers rather than flattening the entire PDF.

It’s easy to remove layers with Adobe Acrobat.

It’s easy for users of Acrobat 8 Pro or later to remove layers. Simply follow these handy steps:

1. Save a backup copy of your PDF file, then open the original version.
2. Go to Advanced > PDF Optimiser, then hit the Save button.
3. Choose to Discard User Data.
4. Here, you can then select Discard Hidden Layer Content and Flatten Visible Layers. Then click OK.
5. Re-save your optimised PDF under a new file name.
6. Go to View > Navigation Panels > Layers.
7. Click the Options pop-up, then choose to Merge or Flatten Layers.
8. Hit the Save button again and then Print.

You can also find a host of other useful tools with Adobe Acrobat online such as a PDF converter and PDF splitter.

More ways to manage your PDF documents.

Discover even more ways to manage your PDF documents with Acrobat. Make PDFs fillable, merge PDF files, edit your PDFs and so much more. Do it all with Adobe. Get started online today to stay on top of your digital documents.

Keep exploring.

• Create PDFs from other file types.
• Modify existing PDF files.
• Create and sign fillable PDFs.