How to download, flatten and compress your edited PDF
The Download button saves a new PDF with all your edits. Its options let you rename the file, lock in form answers and annotations, and shrink the file size before you share it.
Step by step
Click Download
Click Download in the top bar to open the download options.
Name the file
Change the file name if you like. You can also rename the document at any time by clicking its name in the top bar.
Apply pending redactions
If you marked areas for redaction but have not applied them yet, you will be asked to apply them now.
Choose Flatten
Turn on Flatten to make form values and annotations a permanent part of the page so they can no longer be edited.
Choose Compress
Turn on Compress and pick Balanced, Smallest or High quality to reduce the file size.
Save the file
Confirm to download. Use Download now in the arrow menu next to the button to skip the options entirely.
Tips
- Compress runs on pdfty servers, so the file is uploaded for that step and deleted within 1 hour. Leave it off to keep everything in your browser.
- Do not flatten a form you want someone else to fill in.
- Balanced compression is the best starting point for email attachments.
Frequently asked questions
What does flattening a PDF do?
It turns form field values and annotations such as comments, highlights and stamps into ordinary page content, so they look the same everywhere and cannot be edited or removed.
Which compression level should I pick?
Balanced suits most files. Smallest gives the smallest file with lower image quality, and High quality keeps images sharper with a smaller size reduction.
Does downloading add a watermark?
No. Downloads are free, need no account and never get a watermark.
Is my original file changed?
No. Download saves a new copy. The file on your device stays as it was.
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