How to Flatten Fillable PDF Files Without Losing Quality?

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: September 20th, 2022 • 7 Min Read

Summary: This article will provide the most promising solution for the user query, i.e., “how to flatten fillable PDF file?” Go through the post, and learn about the top three solutions to flatten PDF form fields in quick and efficient manner.

The portable document format (PDF) is the one-go or commonly used format for sharing business documents and filling legal or office documents. Users can easily add their information in fillable PDF documents.

But, have you ever thought of if your data gets into the wrong hands?

For example, if you add banking details to a fillable PDF file, unfortunately, the documents fall into the wrong hands. Now, the person has the authority to alter the information so that the funds are sent to them instead because it is still fillable.

Like this, multiple scenarios are available over the web, and this article aims to prevent you from such scams. By flattening layers in PDF documents, one can overcome such scenarios. In the coming section, the user will get different strategies to make a flatten fillable PDF without losing quality. So, let’s begin the post.

Table of Content Hide

What is Flatten PDF & Why is it Needed? Expert Views

Flatten a PDF file by basically adding restrictions to the file from the beginning of the re-fill. When the user locks the PDF information, they enter it. This process eventually removes all the script from the backend, and there is no option left to alter the information for good.

What is the purpose of flattening fillable PDF files?

Document creators flatten the PDF layers because of various reasons. Some of them are mentioned below:

  1. Lock Fillable Documents Fileds: Experts always suggest to flatten PDF form fields after providing the necessary details. To understand this point in a better way following hypothetical situation will help:

    The lender sends you a fillable PDF form where you are supposed to provide the contract details (holding period, verified document, account number, etc.). You open the file, give the details, and share it with the sender. There is a danger that someone could easily re-edit it since you didn’t lock the form. If someone alters the information, money is never made in your trust account. Therefore, to avoid scams, it is better to flatten PDF layers.

  2. Clear Visual Elements in PDF File: When you design a PDF file using Adobe or Indesign, it contains multiple layers, and flatting them ensures a clear view while printing.
  3. Make PDF Readable with all Platforms: Some PDF viewers may not display all the properties of the fillable PDF due to multiple layers embedded in it. Flattening a PDF files ensures they are accessible on all platforms.

How to Flatten PDF Form Fields? Let’s Check

If users wish to flatten PDF without losing quality in a few seconds of work, then go with BitReover PDF buddy wizard. It is an expert-recommended solution that lets users lock the PDF document formats.

Also, the software provides you with multiple functionalities to oragnisse the PDF files in a better way. Through this software, users can also perform the following task.

Also, a demo edition of the software is available. Users can download it for free to evaluate the toolkit’s performance. So, click the download button below to flatten fillable PDF document.

Download for Windows

Automated Solution Working to Flatten PDF Without Losing Quality

  1. Launch the software on Windows OS, and read the instructions to move forward.
    Software Instructions
  2. Now, upload the PDF file using the “Add File” or “Add Folder.” button. Users can browse the file on a local computer.
    Upload PDF File
  3. Once you add the file to the software panel, it will list all the files in software directories with the file names.
  4. Users can select the required folder as per the requirement and click on the “Next” button.
    PDF Directories
  5. Now, select the designation path, opt for the “Flatten Fillable PDF” format from the list, and click on “Start Button” for good.
    Flatten Fillable PDF File

That’s all about the automated solution to flatten PDF form fields without losing quality. Now let’s check out how to complete this task manually.

How to Flatten PDF Layers With Adobe Acrobat?

  1. Open Adobe Acrobat, and import the PDF document by selecting the “File” button.
  2. Now, scroll down to “Tools Menu” and select “Print Production” it will appear in the next panel.
  3. On the right-hand side, click on the “Flattener Preview” under the panel, and users can make adjustments to the PDF files with advanced editing options.
  4. After making necessary adjustments, enable the page numbering in the PDF document.
  5. Click the “Apply” button to flatten PDF without losing quality. A dialog box will appear to click the “Yes” button.

That’s how users can flatten PDF layers using Adobe Acrobat. However, this solution is quite expensive, and if you have a limited number of files, you can continue with the next solution of the blog.

Flatten PDF Form Fields Using Chrome or Other Browser

Follow the steps to flatten fillable PDF without losing quality with the Google Chrome browser:

  1. Navigate to PDF File Location.
  2. Make a right-click and select Open With>> Google Chrome.
  3. Next, click on the “Print button” and apply the filters.
  4. Select “Destination” in “Save as PDF” format. Click “save” to move forward.
  5. Afterward, browse the location, store the output file, and click the save button.

This method only works when you enable the printer option in browser. Also, this trick can alter the attributes of the PDF, so use it carefully.

Questions? We Have Answers

Q) How Do I Know If my PDF is Flattened?

Answer: To check whether the PDF file is flattened or not, click on the PDF form fields. If you have access to alter the information, then PDF content is not yet locked, and the PDF is still editable.

To ensure accurate results for the flatten PDF form fields, make use of the automated solution mentioned above for good.


Q) What Does it Mean to Flatten Fillable PDF Document?

Answer: Flattening a document means removing the layers or additional elements of your PDF file. It will prevent you from online scams. Also, by flattening layers in PDF files, end users won’t have any functionality to modify them.


Q) What are the top solutions to flatten PDF without losing quality?

Answer: There are various solutions available to flatten PDF layers. Additionally, in the above article, we have described three different techniques to flatten PDF form fields that include:

  • Expert Solution with 100% Accuracy & Safety
  • Browser Print Option
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro

Q) Can I Flatten a PDF in Acrobat Reader?

Answer: The answer is yes. Users can flatten PDF layers in Acrobat Reader by following these steps:

  • Open PDF File >> Print >> Parameters >> Print Button.

So There You Have It

In this step-by-step guide, we have discussed different techniques to Flatten fillable PDF without losing quality, using Adobe Acrobat Pro, Default PDF Viewer, and above mentioned professional software. Now, it depends upon the users to choose the right solution as per need. However, our recommendation for you is to go with automated software that ensures 100% safe and secure conversion.