PDF management - How to flatten PDFs to remove form content

---

Purpose: If you encounter an error message indicating that your PDF contains form content—like editable text fields, comments, or signatures—you'll need to flatten the document. Flattening converts these complex elements into non-editable images. The simplest way to flatten a PDF is by using the "Print to PDF" feature available in Adobe Acrobat or Google Chrome.
Note: Flattening can also help reduce the file size of a PDF.

Applicable Users: eFile users

---

Example error

This image provides an example error which can be rectified using one of the processes described in this article.

Adobe Acrobat

1. In Adobe Acrobat, open the PDF you need to flatten.

2. Select File > Print.
   
3. Select the Printer dropdown and choose any option that has PDF in the title. Change the Comments & Forms dropdown to Document. Select the [Print] button.
   
   Note: If you do not have a PDF option in your dropdown, you can download CutePDF—a free PDF converter—by clicking here. 
4. Choose a location to save your new PDF and enter a new file name to differentiate it from your original version. Select the [Save] button.
   
5. You will now be able to upload your newly saved PDF to the eFiling website.

Google Chrome

1. Open a Google Chrome browser window and drag your PDF file into it. The PDF file will open in Chrome.
   
2. Select the Print icon in Chrome’s PDF viewer. Alternatively, you can select Ctrl + P.
   
3. Select the Printer dropdown menu in the print window. Select Save as PDF.
   
   You may need to use the See more option which opens a Select a destination window to select Save as PDF.
   
4. Select the [Save] button.
   
5. Select a destination and enter a new file name in the window that opens and then select [Save] again.
   
6. You will now be able to upload your newly saved PDF to the eFiling website.