How do I preserve URLs /hyperlinks if I am flattening a PDF Form?

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
June 2, 2017
5 replies
15801 views

Hi - I created a form using Acrobat PRO DC for my users to fill out. However once the form is filled out I need to flattened the form so the fields get locked up. In the form I have a url link that needs to keep working once the form is flattened. Any way I can do this? I already tried "Save As Optimized PDF" along with creating an action with the Wizard tool. Neither of these steps preserves my url.

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Test Screen Name

Legend

You can turn off image processing in the PDF optimizer.

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nharave

Participant

None of the above worked for me (I did not try the script solution however). So I just optimised a 9MB file down to just over 2MB then right clicked the link(s) (I had about 20) > edit > actions > go to page and entered the link destination. Done. It worked. I know this is not ideal, just a work around.

T

Test Screen Name

Legend

You can experiment with settings in Save as optimized PDF. Some will remove links, others may save space in unexpected ways.

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kcelsi

Participant

I've tried some various ways of using that, but there are a lot of screen shots in the document and the Optimized settings usually make the resolution too low for them to be clear. That's why I wanted to try flattening. I need the file to go from 9 MB to 1.7 without losing image quality. Either way, I'd like to know how to flatten a pdf with links. I've had many instances in the past where it would be useful.

JR Boulay

Community Expert

I need the file to go from 9 MB to 1.7 without losing image quality.

Compression is not magic, you have to make choices.

For better results:

- Use PDF 1.6 or PDF 1.7 format.

- Try to decrease compression quality instead of decreasing resolution (144 dpi is the minimum).

- Try JPEG2000 instead of JPEG.

Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe

JR Boulay

Community Expert

You can find many URL shortener around the web.

Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe

JR Boulay

Community Expert

You should write the hyperlink as a full URL, so Acrobat (Reader, Standard and Pro) will always automaticaly detect the URL and make it clickable without the need of a link object.

Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe

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penelope1985Author

Participating Frequently

@JR_Boulay

Thanks, but unfortunately my URL is too long, and I need to make the PDF presentable.

try67

Community Expert

When you flatten a file using a script you can tell it to ignore non-printing fields, so if you convert your link to a button that does the same task, but set it as non-printing, that should solve your problem.