All the different ways to flatten

Question

Hi everyone,From what I can tell, Acrobat has several different ways of flattening, each with slightly different results.* java script this.flattenpages* flattener preview* actions - content - flatten layers* pdf optimizer - discard objects - flatten form fields* pdf optimizer - discard user data - discard hidden layer content and flatten visible layers*maybe more?Before I start A-B testing every setting permutation of these, is there any chance you guys can save me some time by explaining what the differences are and how the settings affect them? I would truly appreciate it.

Tariq Dar · Accepted Answer

Hi @sincere_work6739,

Thanks for reaching out with your question

Following are my observations - wait for more inputs from experts:

JavaScript (this.flattenPages)

- Flattens annotations and form fields only, without affecting layers or other content.

- Useful for making comments and form entries non-editable.

Flattener Preview (Print Production Tool)

- Primarily used for flattening transparency issues (like overlapping objects and shadows).

- Can convert text to outlines to reduce editability, ideal for print-ready PDFs.

Actions Wizard → Content → Flatten Layers

- Merges layered content into a single background while retaining annotations and form fields.

- Preserves document appearance but removes layer interactivity.

PDF Optimizer → Discard Objects → Flatten Form Fields

- Converts form fields to static content while leaving other elements intact.

- Ideal for finalizing form inputs.

PDF Optimizer → Discard User Data → Discard Hidden Layer Content & Flatten Visible Layers

- Removes hidden layers and flattens only visible ones, useful for multi-layered PDFs.

~Tariq

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