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How To Flatten Pages In PDF In 2025 | Step By Step Guide

July 31, 2023 2.8K views

Flatten pages in a PDF document refer to the process of merging a document's layers into one single layer. We can do this for various reasons, such as reducing the file size, making the document secure, or making it easier to edit. When a page is flattened, the elements of the page, such as images and text, become part of the background that cannot be edited. Due to this, the document will become more secure and prevent unauthorized changes.

If you are looking for an accurate solution for How to Flatten Pages in PDF, this is the right spot. Here, we'll discuss various methods for flattening pages in PDF documents. These methods will help you flatten pages in PDF without harming the document's integrity.

Flattening pages in a PDF document is important before preparing them for printing, electronic signatures, or distribution. In this guide, we'll explore two simple methods for flattening pages in PDF documents.

1. How to Flatten Pages In PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Offline

Adobe Acrobat is a PDF editing software that is developed and published by Adobe Systems. This software allows the user to create, edit, manage and convert PDF files in various file formats. Using its advanced features, users can optimize, password-protect, and combine multiple PDFs into a single document. This tool is also effective for flattening pages in PDF documents.

Follow the step-by-step instructions to flatten pages in PDF for free.

Step 1: Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.

Step 2: Once the PDF file is opened, Go to the Tool tab in the main menu and select the Flatten option.

Step 3: This software will generate a new file named ABC-Flatten to differentiate between the original and flattened file. Ensure that the flattened file is saved.

Step 4: This way, you can easily flatten pages in PDF using Adobe Acrobat.

2. How to Flatten Pages In PDF Using Sejda PDF Online Tool

Sejda PDF is a free web-based online tool that allows users to manipulate and edit PDF documents. It offers a variety of features, including splitting, merging, adding, and removing pages in PDF documents. This tool is also integrated with OCR techniques, enabling users to convert scanned PDFs into editable text. Additionally, you can also flatten pages in PDF using this software accurately.

Follow the below instructions to flatten pages in PDF online.

Step 1: Inside the Sejda tool, Upload the PDF document by clicking on the Upload PDF Files button.

Step 2: Once you upload the PDF file, two options appear on the next screen. Choose the one according to your need and click on the Flatten PDF option.

Step 3: Then click the Download button to save the flattened file.

3. How to Flatten Pages in PDF Using WPS Office

WPS Office, a popular office suite that includes a word processor, presentation software, and a spreadsheet program. This is used to perform myriads of functionalities on PDF files but unfortunately , lacks a direct feature to flatten PDF files. However, you can achieve the same effect by saving a copy of the PDF file as an image. Here's how you can flatten PDF using WPS Office:

Step 1:Open the PDF file in WPS Office's PDF reader.

Step 2: Click on the Tools menu and select PDF to Picture.

Step 3:Select the desired image format (e.g. PNG or JPG).

Step 4:Choose a location to save the new image file and click Export.

The newly created image file will be a flattened version of the original PDF file, meaning all the elements in the file will be combined into a single image and can no longer be edited.

Using Tips

Below are some tips that will be very helpful for you to flatten PDF pages.

👍 Different software are available for flattening pages in PDF; make sure the software you use must contain flattening features.

👍 It's good practice to keep a backup copy of the original document in case you need to make changes or edits later on.

👍 To avoid any issues during the flattening process, ensure the document is fully compatible with the software.

👍 Flattening PDF pages may affect the original document's formatting, so pay attention to the formatting and layout of the final document.

FAQs

Why is it important to flatten pages in PDF?

It is important as it removes all editable elements in the document and makes it more secure and ready for printing and distribution.

What should I do before flattening pages in PDF?

Before flattening pages in PDF, it is important to save a copy of the original file and ensure the document is fully compatible with the software.

Can I flatten pages in PDF using WPS Office?

Yes, WPS Office offers users to flatten pages easily in PDF.

Flattening pages in a PDF document is essential for combining multiple layers into a simple image or file. This process is important for preparing documents for printing and distribution purposes. It's best practice to save the original document in a case for editing later on. Various PDF editing software is available to flatten pages in PDF, but I recommend the WPS Office for accurately performing this job. WPS Office can easily and efficiently flatten pages in PDF documents for smooth distribution and printing.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.