Flatten and print transparent artwork

Last updated on Oct 25, 2026

Learn how to configure transparency flattening, flatten objects, or rasterize artwork for reliable print output in Adobe Illustrator.

Configure transparency flattening or rasterize artwork to ensure transparent designs print correctly when printing or exporting to formats that don't support live transparency.

Transparency flattening divides transparent artwork into vector and rasterized regions so it can be printed or exported to formats that don't support transparency. Depending on your output requirements, you can configure flattening during printing, flatten selected objects, or rasterize all artwork for compatible non-PostScript printers.

Configure flattening settings for print output

Use this method to flatten transparency for a single print job only.

Select File > Print.

Select Advanced in the Print dialog box

Select a flattening preset from the Preset menu, or select Custom to define your own flattening options.

If your artwork contains overprinted objects that interact with transparency, select an option from the Overprints menu to preserve, simulate, or discard overprints.

Note

If your artwork doesn't contain transparency, Illustrator skips flattening, and these settings don’t apply. Use the Window > Flattener Preview panel to find transparent areas before printing.

Flatten individual objects

Use this method to permanently flatten specific transparent objects before printing or exporting them.

Select the object that contains transparency.

Select Object > Flatten Transparency.

Select a flattening preset from the Preset menu, or configure specific flattening options.

Select OK to flatten the selected object.

Tip

Select Save Preset to reuse your settings for the rest of the session. To create presets that persist across sessions, select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets instead.

Rasterize artwork for non-PostScript printers

Rasterize artwork when you print to a non-PostScript printer that supports bitmap output.

Select File > Print.

Select Advanced in the Print dialog box.

Select Print as Bitmap.

Select Print.

Note

Print as Bitmap is available only with printer drivers that support bitmap printing. Use this option for complex artwork with gradients or smooth shading when printing to desktop inkjet printers or other low-resolution printers.

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