How to Submit a Flattened PDF Instead of an FDF File
Question details
The user needs to send a completed PDF form as a flattened, read-only PDF document rather than a raw FDF data file.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Submitting a filled-out PDF form to a recipient via email or online submission.
- Observed behavior
- The form submission process sends an FDF file containing only the editable form data, whereas a complete, static PDF is required.
Ensure you have a copy of the original fillable PDF form saved separately before flattening, as flattening is an irreversible process that permanently converts fillable fields into static text.
Configure Submit Action and Flatten the PDF Form
Change the form's submit button behavior to handle the entire PDF and flatten the document to make it read-only.
When a PDF form is configured to submit data, it often defaults to sending an FDF (Forms Data Format) file to save bandwidth. To send the actual document, you must configure the submit action to send the whole PDF.
Additionally, to ensure the recipient cannot alter the submitted values, the form fields must be flattened, which merges the field contents into the static page background.
Open the PDF in form editing mode. Right-click the 'Submit' button and select 'Properties'. Go to the 'Actions' tab, select the 'Submit a form' action, and click 'Edit'.
In the Submit Form Selections dialog box, change the Export Format from 'FDF' or 'XFDF' to 'PDF The complete document', then save the changes.
To prevent future edits, use a 'Flatten' tool or utilize the 'Print to PDF' function to save a new copy of the document where all interactive fields are converted to static text.
Use the newly created flattened PDF file for your submission, ensuring the recipient gets a complete, read-only document.
Flatten and Submit PDF Forms Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor that allows you to easily fill out interactive forms, flatten them to prevent unwanted edits, and share them directly as standard, read-only PDF files.
- 1. Open and Fill the Form: Launch WPS Office, open your interactive PDF form, and type your information into the required fields.
- 2. Print to PDF: Click the 'Menu' icon in the top left corner and select 'Print'. In the printer dropdown, choose 'WPS PDF' or 'Print to PDF'.
- 3. Save the Flattened Document: Click 'Print' and choose a location on your computer to save the new file. This new document is now completely flattened and read-only.
- 4. Share with Recipient: Attach the newly saved flattened PDF to your email client or submission portal to send it securely to your recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an FDF and a PDF file?
An FDF (Forms Data Format) file only contains the raw text data entered into a PDF form, making it a very small file but requiring the original blank PDF to view properly. A PDF is the complete document containing both the visual layout and the inputted data.
Why can't the recipient open the FDF file I sent?
FDF files are not standalone documents. If the recipient does not have the exact original blank PDF form and specialized PDF software on their computer, they will not be able to open or view the FDF data.
Can I reverse the flattening process on a PDF?
No, flattening is an irreversible process. Once a PDF is flattened, the interactive form fields are permanently merged with the page background. You should always keep a backup of the original fillable form before you proceed with flattening.
