Automatically "flatten" PDF documents when uploaded

Use field flattening in Acrobat Sign to ensure smoother uploads and better document reliability. This feature automatically converts editable PDF fields into static content, reducing errors and preserving your intended data.

Field flattening in Acrobat Sign converts editable fields in a source PDF into static content. This process runs the uploaded document through a virtual print driver and offers several key benefits:

• Preserves field values – AcroForm PDFs with default field values are printed directly into the document. The field content becomes part of the static text, and the original field objects are removed. This is helpful when automated systems generate PDFs with content that senders shouldn’t edit.
• Creates a normalized PDF – Acrobat Sign prints the document from a known, compatible source. Some third-party applications create PDFs that don’t fully comply with PDF standards. These files may generally work but lack key elements Acrobat Sign requires, causing upload failures.
• Removes problematic artifacts – Some PDF generators leave behind hidden or unsupported elements. These artifacts can interfere with the upload process and prevent Acrobat Sign from processing the file correctly.

If you experience issues uploading a PDF, one of the first troubleshooting steps is to flatten the file by printing it to PDF and trying the upload again.

The Field flattening feature automates this process. Acrobat Sign flattens the file during upload, resolving many issues before they cause errors or delays for the sender.

Configuration

Availability:

• Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro: Not Configurable
• Acrobat Sign Solutions: Supported
• Acrobat Sign for Government: Supported

Configuration scope:

Administrators can enable this feature at the account and group levels.

Access this feature by navigating the administrator's configuration menu to Send Settings > Field flattening

How it's used

Once enabled, there is no further configuration for administrators or additional processes for senders.

Any PDF uploaded is automatically "flattened".

Which fields are flattened and which are not

Best practices

Enable this feature if your users frequently encounter upload errors, especially when working with PDFs generated from third-party systems or automation tools. Flattening improves compatibility and reduces errors, helping senders complete their tasks without interruption.