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How to Save an Edited or Flattened PDF to Cloud Storage on iPad
Question details
The user needs a way to flatten an edited PDF file and save or share that flattened copy to a cloud storage service on an iPad.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for iPad
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Editing a PDF with annotations on an iPad and wanting to save the finalized, uneditable (flattened) version to iCloud or Adobe Document Cloud.
- Observed behavior
- The user seeks to ensure edits are permanently flattened into the PDF file so they can be safely stored or shared via cloud services without being altered.
Make sure your iPad is connected to the internet and check the App Store to ensure your PDF reader application is updated to the latest version to access the newest export features.
Enable the Flattened Copy Option in Adobe Acrobat Reader Settings
Update the app to version 18.12.00 or later to access the built-in option to share or save flattened PDF copies directly to your cloud storage.
Earlier versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader temporarily removed the ability to easily share flattened PDFs. Starting from version 18.12.00, this feature was restored in the app settings, allowing you to merge annotations and edits permanently before saving to the cloud.
Open the App Store on your iPad and ensure Adobe Acrobat Reader is updated to version 18.12.00 or newer.
Launch Acrobat Reader, tap on the Profile or Menu icon, and navigate to Settings, then Preferences.
Look for the option to create or share a flattened copy of the PDF and toggle it on.
Open your edited PDF, select the Share or Save option, choose the flattened format, and select your preferred cloud storage service such as iCloud or Document Cloud.
Easily Flatten and Save PDFs to Cloud Storage with WPS Office
WPS Office for iOS provides robust PDF editing capabilities, including the ability to merge annotations and flatten your documents before seamlessly saving them to various cloud storage services directly from your iPad.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and launch WPS Office from the App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open and Edit Your PDF: Import your PDF file into WPS Office and make any necessary edits or annotations using the built-in tools.
- 3. Export as Flattened PDF: Tap the Tools menu, navigate to the File options, and select the Export or Share feature, ensuring you choose the flattened format to lock your edits.
- 4. Save to Cloud Storage: Select 'Save to Files' or your desired cloud storage app directly from the iOS share sheet to securely store your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to flatten a PDF?
Flattening a PDF permanently merges interactive elements, such as annotations, form fields, and digital signatures, into the actual background layers of the document, preventing further modification by other users.
Why can't I find the flatten option in my iPad PDF app?
If you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader, the flatten option was temporarily removed in older versions but restored in version 18.12.00. Make sure to update your app via the App Store and check your Preferences menu.
Can I save my flattened PDF to Google Drive or Dropbox instead of iCloud?
Yes. Once you enable the flattened copy option in your PDF reader or use an alternative like WPS Office, you can share or export the file directly to any cloud storage application that is installed and authenticated on your iPad.
