Flattening a pdf

[gatortrainlady]

In Adobe Acrobat DC, how do we flatten a pdf file? 

We often have stamps, signatures, highlighting, etc. added to a .pdf.   In Nuance Power PDF, we would just hit the "Flatten File" button, how do we go about flattening it in DC? 

[try67]

Create an Action that executes this JS code:

this.flattenPages();

[craigg65158854]

I have been successfully flattening PDF documents with data fields into plain PDFs for the last 6 years Using version 11 and then DC 2015. Just today the plain PDF has grey highlighting everywhere the data fields (blue boxes) were. Is there any way I can get rid of the grey highlighting in the plain PDF?

[try67]

Change the fill color of the fields from light gray to white or transparent before flattening the file.

[craigg65158854]

Thank you, it worked perfectly!

[gatortrainlady]

Thank you.  Setting up and running the JavaScript in the Action Wizard does work; however, it's quite involved for the average user to set up and run.

It looks like one could go to File, Print, to Adobe DC print driver, works also.

It's too bad Adobe didn't create a Flatten File button for users.

[try67]

Using an Action is much easier (and better) then "re-frying" the file, in my opinion. Another option is to create a .js file that adds a menu (or toolbar) icon that does it, and then you would be able to access it with just one or two clicks.

[gatortrainlady]

Yes, I set that up on my pc, but most user's are not that saavy to mess with it. 

I noticed that this action doesn't flatten watermarks, Bates numbering, headers/footers, etc. 

I guess we are looking for a feature that will make a .pdf including stamps, watermarks, Bates, etc. when sent to another person, is unchangeable. 

[try67]

Then flattening is not the way to go, as even a flattened file can be easily edited in Acrobat.

Your best option is a Digital Signature field. It will not prevent editing the file, but it will become invalidated when it happens, allowing you to prove that the file was modified.

[gatortrainlady · Accepted solution]

Adding a Digital Signature does protect the entire document from being edited by someone else. Thanks this has been very helpful!

[dianed97898145]

I just discovered, through a customer, that if they digitally sign a contract, that I created in Acrobat DC, while using NitroPDF, their end customer is still able to alter the contract. The signature didn't protect it. Just a heads up that there are some wonky things between the various PDF software programs. FoxIt doesn't play well with Adobe documents either. 😞

[default49tmq99n68f6]

Very easy. Go to File, Print. Choose PDF995 printer, correct page size and press PRINT. The file will be a flatten file.