Manage transparency flattener presets

Last updated on Oct 25, 2026

Learn how to save, share, and organize custom flattening settings for consistent output across Adobe Illustrator projects and workflows.

Transparency flattener presets save your preferred flattening settings for reuse across print jobs and exports. You can export custom presets as .flst files to share with team members or print service providers. The default High Resolution, Medium Resolution, and Low Resolution presets can't be edited or deleted.

Custom presets remain available across Illustrator sessions until you delete them. Apply any preset from the Advanced panel in the Print dialog box or from a supported export dialog box.

Create or edit a custom preset

Create a new preset from scratch, base one on an existing preset, or modify a custom preset.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Do one of the following:

To create a new preset, select the New icon.
To base a preset on an existing one, select a preset from the Presets list, and then select the New icon.
To edit a custom preset, select it from the Presets list, and then select the Edit icon.

Configure the flattening options, including raster/vector balance, resolution settings, and conversion options.

Select OK to save the preset.

Select OK.

Export a preset for sharing

Export a preset to reuse it on another computer or share it with others.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Select the preset you want to export from the Presets list.

Select Export.

Type a name for the preset file, and select a location to save it.

Select Save.

Tip

Save exported presets outside Illustrator's preferences folder so they're available if you reset your preferences.

Import a preset

Import a previously exported .flst preset into Illustrator.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Select Import.

Locate and select the .flst file.

Select Open.

Select OK.

Rename a custom preset

Rename a custom preset to make it easier to identify.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Select the custom preset from the Presets list.

Select the Edit icon.

Type a new name for the preset.

Select OK.

Delete a custom preset

Delete a custom preset that you no longer need.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Select the custom preset from the Presets list.

Select the Delete icon.

Select OK.

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