InDesign doesn’t have a direct ‘Flatten’ button, but exporting as PDF/X-1a effectively flattens the file for print without altering the original document. Follow these steps:
- To flatten a file in Adobe InDesign, export it via the File menu and select ‘Adobe PDF (Print)’ from the Export panel.
- In the Export Adobe PDF dialog, select the [PDF/X-1a:2001] preset
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Under Transparency Flattener, ensure Preset is set to 'High Resolution.'
- Click 'Export' once done.



