Saving fillable PDF to a Flattened PDF

[Shaylen5C75]

I don't want to protect the PDF I am looking for an option that when I save the fillable PDF I can save it as a flattened copy of the original. Is there a way to do this?

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi Shaylen,

Thank you for reaching out.

As you wish to create a flattened copy after filling the form, you may try adding the digital signature. While adding the signature you can lock the document. It will convert the document to read-only mode. 

You may also try recreating the PDF using the Print option. Once you fill the form, go to File > Print. Then select the Adobe PDF as the printer and click on Print. 

Check if that helps.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[Test Screen Name]

Be aware that printing "PDF to PDF" is considered a truly terrible thing to do, and should never be recommended to anyone for any purpose.

[try67]

You can flatten all form fields with this code:

this.flattenPages();

[Shaylen5C75]

Thank you, I understand the concept behind this where would I enter this code? I am familiar with basic level coding, just not sure where to input this. 🙂

[try67]

You can run it from the Console. See: https://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/javascript_console

[Luke Jennings3]

You can also save as an optimized PDF (File> Save as other). Select Discard Objects and Flatten form fields. Save to a new name.