Other PDF Issues

How to Use Send a Copy and Flatten PDFs in Adobe Acrobat for iOS

Rana Garcia Oct 18, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to use the 'Send a copy' feature in Adobe Acrobat for iOS and how to ensure the shared PDF is flattened so that form fields remain locked and uneditable.

Product: Adobe Acrobat for iOS
Device & OS: iOS
Scenario: Sharing a PDF file via email, AirDrop, or other apps while ensuring editable form fields are locked (flattened) before sending.
Observed behavior: The previous 'Share a copy' feature was replaced by 'Send a copy', causing confusion on how to send a flattened copy to prevent further editing of form fields.

Before you start

Ensure your Adobe Acrobat app on iOS is updated to the latest version to access the current 'Send a copy' options and app preference settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Send a Copy Feature to Share PDFs

Follow these steps to generate and share a copy of your PDF using the updated Acrobat iOS interface.

The 'Send a copy' feature replaces the older sharing functionalities, allowing you to quickly distribute your document across various iOS apps and services.

Open your document

Launch Adobe Acrobat for iOS and open the PDF file you wish to share.

Access the More menu

Tap the More menu, represented by three dots (•••), typically located in the top right corner of the screen.

Select Send a copy

Choose 'Send a copy' from the dropdown list to generate a duplicate of your current file.

Choose a sharing method

Select your preferred sharing method from the iOS share sheet, such as email, Messages, AirDrop, or saving to a cloud storage app.

Use the Send a Copy Feature to Share PDFs

Sharing Original Files: By default, 'Send a copy' shares the document in its current editable state unless flattening preferences are applied.

Solution 2

Send a Flattened Copy to Lock Form Fields

If you need to prevent further editing of form fields, you must ensure the document is flattened before sharing.

Powerful PDF Tool

Easily Flatten and Share PDFs with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a straightforward and intuitive way to edit, flatten, and share PDF files securely on your iOS device without dealing with confusing interface changes.

1. Open the PDF: Launch the WPS Office mobile app and open the PDF document you need to share.
2. Access PDF Tools: Tap the 'Tools' icon at the bottom of the screen to reveal the document editing and exporting options.
3. Flatten or Export: Select the appropriate export or flattening tool to merge form fields into the document layer, making them non-editable.
4. Share the Document: Tap 'Share' and choose your preferred method (like email or messaging) to send the secured PDF instantly.

Free and lightweight mobile office suite with powerful PDF featuresEasily flatten PDFs to permanently lock form fields and annotationsSeamless sharing options via email, messaging, and cloud servicesHigh compatibility with standard PDF formats and Microsoft Office files

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does flattening a PDF mean?

Flattening a PDF merges interactive elements like form fields, annotations, and dropdown menus into the main visual layer of the document. This makes the content non-editable, which is crucial for securing data before sharing.

Why did Adobe Acrobat remove 'Share a copy'?

Adobe updated the Acrobat iOS app interface to streamline sharing options. 'Share a copy' was replaced with 'Send a copy' to integrate better with native iOS sharing extensions, though it requires users to manually verify their flattening preferences.

Can I send a PDF via AirDrop using Acrobat for iOS?

Yes. By selecting 'Send a copy' from the More menu (•••), the standard iOS share sheet will appear, allowing you to select AirDrop and send the file to nearby Apple devices.

How do I ensure my filled form fields cannot be changed by the recipient?

You must send a 'flattened' copy of the PDF. If your current PDF viewer does not flatten files automatically when sharing, you can 'Print to PDF' or use a dedicated PDF editor like WPS Office to flatten the document before sending.

PDF Troubleshooting