'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Missing Share Flattened Copy Option in iOS Acrobat Reader
Question details
Users are unable to locate the 'Share Flattened Copy' and 'Share Original Document' options when attempting to share a filled PDF form.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for iOS
- Device & OS
- iOS 10 (iPad/iPhone)
- Scenario
- Attempting to share a completed, fillable, Reader-enabled PDF directly from an iOS device.
- Observed behavior
- The specific sharing options for a flattened copy or original document are missing, leaving only generic sharing methods like Mail, Notes, and Copy.
Ensure your iPad or iPhone is connected to a stable internet connection and verify whether the issue happens with all PDF files or just one specific document.
Update Acrobat Reader for iOS to the Latest Version
Outdated application versions often contain bugs or have limited feature compatibility on certain iOS versions.
Software updates frequently patch known bugs related to document sharing and UI glitches. Ensuring you have the latest app version installed is the most reliable way to restore missing menu options.
Launch the App Store application on your iPad or iPhone.
Tap your profile icon at the top right corner of the screen and scroll down to view your pending app updates.
Locate Adobe Acrobat Reader in the list and tap the 'Update' button to install the latest version.
Test with an Alternative PDF Document
Determine if the missing share options are caused by specific file restrictions or a corrupted document.
Easily Manage and Share Flattened PDFs with WPS Office
Avoid missing sharing options by using WPS Office for iOS. It allows you to effortlessly fill out PDF forms and securely share flattened copies with a few simple taps.
- 1. Open Your PDF in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your iOS device, tap on 'Files', and select your fillable PDF document.
- 2. Fill in the Document: Tap on the interactive text fields within the document to securely enter your required information.
- 3. Export and Share as Flattened: Tap the 'Tools' menu, select the 'Share' option, and choose to export or send the file as a flattened PDF to lock your inputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Share Flattened Copy' mean in a PDF?
Sharing a flattened copy merges all interactive form fields, annotations, and digital signatures into the static background of the PDF. This secures your data and prevents the recipient from modifying the information you entered.
Why do sharing options randomly disappear on my iPad?
Sharing options can disappear due to an outdated application version, a temporary software glitch in the mobile operating system, or specific document security restrictions embedded by the PDF creator.
Can I flatten a PDF using the native iOS Files app?
The native iOS Files app offers basic markup capabilities but does not reliably flatten complex interactive form fields. You typically need a dedicated PDF editor to properly flatten standard forms.
How do I know if my PDF is Reader-enabled?
A Reader-enabled PDF typically triggers a notification bar when opened in desktop PDF viewers, indicating that special extended features (like saving interactive form data) have been enabled by the original author.
