Skip to main content
Participant
September 21, 2020
Question

Interactive PDF to flat pdf

  • September 21, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 1246 views

Hi,

 

I've created a pdf offer letter with some interactive elements, such as date, name, company name etc. to personalize the offer.

 

But how can I save the pdf when it's filled without being interactive so that the actual receiver of the pdf only gets the flattened file.

 

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 22, 2020

I'm assuming you have Acrobat, even though you posted in the Reader forum... There are several ways of doing it, based on how secure you want it to be.

 

Easiest (and the least secure) way is to set the fields as read-only.

 

Second best way (with medium security) is to flatten the file using a script, like this:

this.flattenPages();

 

The most secure way is to add a digital signature field and set it to lock all the fields when signed, and then sign it.

Jarno157FAuthor
Participant
September 22, 2020

Thank you for your response!

 

Regarding the last option, how does this work?

I'm not familiar with running scripts within Acrobat pro.

 

Also, the design of the pdf has transparency in it. While testing other options this

was a dealbreaker most of the time. (e.g. print as pdf or converting to a word doc)

 

And second, what if someone that is going to use the document does not have pro version.

What would be the best approach for this?

 

Thanks again!

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 22, 2020

The last option doesn't require any scripts. You just add a Signature field, then go to its Properties, Signed tab and set it to lock all fields when signed. That's it.