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PDF management - How to flatten PDFs to remove form content

  • Updated

    • 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.
    eFiling document upload screen with upload rejected error message: Reason: The PDF contains form content. Click here for instructions to make the document compatible for eFiling.

    Adobe Acrobat

    1. In Adobe Acrobat, open the PDF you need to flatten.
    2. Select File > Print.
      Selecting the Print option at the bottom of the File menu in the upper left corner of Adobe Acrobat
    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.
      Adobe Acrobat Print window with attention called to the Printer dropdown where CutePDF Writer is selected, the Comments & Forms dropdown and the Print button in the lower right corner
      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.
      Save As window with attention called to the File name field and 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.
      Dragging a PDF file from Windows Download folder to a Google Chrome browser window
    2. Select the Print icon in Chrome’s PDF viewer. Alternatively, you can select Ctrl + P.
      Selecting the Print icon button in the upper right corner of the PDF viewer window of Google Chrome
    3. Select the Printer dropdown menu in the print window. Select Save as PDF.
      Print dialog box with attention called to the Destination dropdown and the Save as PDF option
      You may need to use the See more option which opens a Select a destination window to select Save as PDF.
      Select a destination search field in the Print window of Chrome with the Save as PDF option selected
    4. Select the [Save] button.
      Print dialog window with attention called to the Save button in the lower right corner
    5. Select a destination and enter a new file name in the window that opens and then select [Save] again.
      Save As window in Google Chrome with attention called to the File name field and Save button
    6. You will now be able to upload your newly saved PDF to the eFiling website.

    Support

    Contact the eFile support center if you have further questions. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for court holidays.

    Phone: 1-800-462-8843
    Online support form: https://www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilesupportform.htm
    Email: efilesupport@wicourts.gov

    Wisconsin Court Systems (Updated: )