Trouble Printing? How to flatten a PDF on a mac

flatten pdf with a mac

If you’re having issues printing a PDF, try the automator action below we created to solve a few issues we were having in our office.  Its a great new addition to our workflow, and it may work for you.   Many PDF’s exported directly from a program have interactive elements.  In order to remove form fields, comments, snapable geometry, transparencies or other “interactive elements”.  To remove these use the automator action below.

How to Install

Once downloaded, double click and select install, its that easy.
However if that didn’t work the manual install is as follows:

  • Go to finder, at the top bar click on “Go”, hold the option button and select “Library”
  • Navigate to Library/Services.
  • Drag the attached workflow into the folder titled services.

How To Use

Right click (contextual click) on a PDF, go to services, and select “PDF – Flatten”, a cog wheel will appear in the menu bar in the upper right corner by the clock, where the menu extras are.

Download Workflow

PDF Flatten Workflow

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