How to Flatten a PDF in Adobe Acrobat: 1-Min Guide

How to Flatten a PDF in Adobe Acrobat

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to flatten a PDF using Adobe Acrobat's Print Production tools.

Quick summary

Flattening a PDF in Adobe Acrobat merges all layers, annotations, and transparency into a single, non-editable layer. Use the Flattener Preview tool under Print Production to permanently flatten and finalize your PDF for print or sharing.

Steps

Navigate to the top menu bar and click 'All Tools' to access Acrobat's full tool set.
Select 'Use Print Production' from the list of available tool options.
Tap 'Flattener Preview' to open the flattening configuration panel.
Configure the flattener settings based on your preferences, then click 'Apply' to flatten the PDF file.

📌 Why this matters

Flattening a PDF in Adobe Acrobat is essential for locking in transparency, form fields, and annotations before sending files to print or external reviewers. This process ensures that all layers are merged into a single, uneditable output, preventing accidental edits and display inconsistencies across different PDF viewers. The Print Production Flattener Preview tool gives users precise control over flattening settings, making it ideal for designers, print professionals, and document managers who need print-ready, tamper-proof PDFs.

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