Option
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn about the various Transparency Flattener preset settings and preview options available in Adobe InDesign.
Use this reference when configuring flattener presets for print output or when troubleshooting transparency-related output issues. These settings control how InDesign processes transparent artwork for formats that don't support transparency.
Transparency Flattener Preset options
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Description |
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Name |
Names the preset or keeps the default name. You can use the name of an existing preset to update it, but you cannot edit the default presets. |
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Raster/Vector balance |
Controls how much vector content is preserved. Higher settings keep more objects as vectors, while lower settings rasterize more content. Middle settings preserve simple areas as vectors and rasterize more complex areas. |
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Line Art and Text Resolution |
Rasterizes all objects, including images, text, gradients, and vector artwork, at the selected resolution. Higher resolutions create more accurate flattening results. For best quality, especially with serif fonts or small text, set Line Art and Text Resolution between 600 and 1200 ppi. |
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Gradient and Mesh Resolution |
Sets the resolution for rasterized gradients and mesh objects, from 72 to 2400 ppi. For most documents, use 150 to 300 ppi, since higher settings don't improve quality but can increase file size and printing time. |
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Convert All Text to Outlines |
Converts all text to outlines on pages that contain transparency. This keeps text width consistent during flattening, but small text may appear slightly heavier on screen or when printed on low-resolution printers. High-resolution print quality isn't affected. |
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Convert All Strokes to Outlines |
Converts all strokes to filled paths on pages that contain transparency. This keeps stroke widths consistent during flattening, but thin strokes may appear slightly thicker, and flattening may take longer. |
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Clip Complex Regions |
Makes the edges between vector and raster areas follow object paths more closely. This can reduce stitching artifacts, but it may create paths that are too complex for some printers to handle. If stitching still appears, try adjusting the printer’s color management settings. |
Flattener Preview highlight options
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Option |
Description |
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None |
Does not allow previewing. |
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Rasterized Complex Regions |
Highlights the areas that will be rasterized based on the Raster/Vector Balance setting. The edges of these areas are more likely to show stitching artifacts, so select Clip Complex Regions to help reduce them. |
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Transparent Objects |
Highlights objects that contain transparency, such as partial opacity, alpha channels, blending modes, opacity masks, and some effects or styles. Overprinted objects may also be highlighted if they interact with transparency. |
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All Affected Objects |
Highlights all objects affected by transparency, including transparent objects and objects beneath them. These objects may be rasterized or have their strokes and patterns expanded during flattening. |
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Affected Linked EPS Files |
Highlights all linked EPS files that interact with transparency and may be affected during flattening. |
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Affected Graphics |
Highlights all placed graphics affected by transparency or transparency effects. This helps identify artwork that may need special attention before printing. |
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Outlined Strokes |
Highlights all strokes that will convert to outlines because of transparency or the Convert All Strokes to Outlines setting. |
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Outlined Text |
Highlights all text that will be converted to outlines due to transparency or the Convert All Text to Outlines setting. Outlined text may look slightly different from live text, especially at small sizes. |
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Raster-fill Text and Strokes |
Highlights text and strokes with rasterized fills due to transparency flattening. |
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All Rasterized Regions |
Highlights objects and overlapping areas that will be rasterized because they are too complex to remain as vector data. This option also highlights raster images and effects such as drop shadows and feathers and may take longer to process. |
Note
Access these options in the Flattener Preview panel (Window > Output > Flattener Preview) or when creating or editing flattener presets in Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.
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