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Graphics Newbie
Participant
April 4, 2024
Question

How to "flatten" or make lines/text uneditable in a PDF

  • April 4, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 7643 views

Hi all.  I don't know the correct "terminology" so apologies in advance.

 

I created a PDF document (basically markups of an image with lines and text callouts on top).  I want to send this PDF to others, but I don't want them to be able to "move/edit" the lines and text callouts.  This is not collaborative file.  How do I do this?  Many years/versions of Acrobat ago, I would "flatten" the PDF before sending, but now when I try to find out how to do it in the latest version of Acrobat I can't get any clear instructions how to.   All my Google searches tells me to change security of the file to prevent editing.  And Google search of "flattening" leads to a confusing maze.  I don't even know if "flattening" is the right term anymore either.

 

My workaround now has been to create the PDF in Acrobat, and then open the PDF file with Preview (I work on a Mac).  Then in Preview, I "print" the file and select the output as PDF and that makes the file "uneditable" (lines and text callouts cannot be selected and are "flat").  I want to find a way to achieve this in Acrobat.  I don't want to use workarounds or 2 programs.  Thanks everyone. 

 

me:

Adobe Acrobat Pro via Creative Cloud

working on Mac (OS 14.X Sonoma)

 

 

    2 replies

    try67
    Community Expert
    try67Community Expert
    Community Expert
    April 4, 2024

    As mentioned, you can do it using the Preflight tool, or even just by running this simple script (via a Custom Command or the Action Wizard):

    this.flattenPages();

    Just be aware this process is NOT reversible, so make sure to save your file under a new name, in case you want to change those comments later on.

      G
      Graphics NewbieAuthor
      Participant
      April 4, 2024

      Thanks try67.  I am not familiar with script, but I will do the research to find out!

      try67
      Community Expert
      try67Community Expert
      Community Expert
      April 4, 2024

      You don't need any research. I've given you the entire code you need.

      Bernd Alheit
      Community Expert
      Bernd AlheitCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 4, 2024

      Search for "flatten" in the preflight tool in Acrobat Pro.

        G
        Graphics NewbieAuthor
        Participant
        April 4, 2024

        Thanks Bernd.  I searched "flatten" in the Preflight tool, and it resaved the file.  When I open the new file, the text callouts cannot be repositioned, but a cursor still appears and the text is selectable.  When I select text and press the "Delete" button, the text is crossed out.  I am unable to enter new text though.  I think this is OK, just don't understand the crossout.

         

        Much appreciate the help! 

         

         

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