Flattening PDFs in Adobe Acrobat for Upload into Adobe Sign

Overview

When attempting to upload PDF documents containing scripts or XML data for signature in Adobe Sign, users may encounter an error stating that the file must be opened in the latest version of Adobe Reader or Acrobat as seen below.

Adobe Sign Error

To resolve this issue and make PDF documents compatible with Adobe Sign, it is advised for users to fill such documents in Adobe Acrobat DC, then make a flattened copy of the PDF to upload. The steps below can be used to make flattened copies of PDF documents.

Windows

  1. Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat .
  2. Open the Print dialog (CTRL+P).
  3. Select "Microsoft Print to PDF" from the list of available printers.

    Selecting Microsoft Print to PDF
     
  4. Save a copy of the filled PDF form. This copy can be uploaded to Adobe Sign.
  5. After uploading the document, check the "Preview & Add Signature Fields" option.


     
  6. Add any necessary data and signature fields to the document.
  7. Send the document for signature.

MacOS

Note: The process used to flatten PDF files on MacOS devices is lengthier and entails exporting the PDF a Word file, which may cause layout or format issues in documents. If possible, it is advised to use a Windows computer to flatten PDF documents.

  1. Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Open the "File" menu, then select "Export to" > "Microsoft Word" > "Word Document"

    Export to Word
     
  3. When propted, name the document and save to the desired location.
  4. Open the Word document that was saved.
  5. Open the Print dialogue (Command+P).
  6. Click the "PDF" dropdown, then select "Save as PDF".

    Save to PDF on MacOS
     
  7. When prompted, name the document and save the flattened PDF to the desired location.
  8. Upload the saved, flattened version of the PDF to Adobe Sign.
  9. After uploading the document, check the "Preview & Add Signature Fields" option.


     
  10. Add any necessary data and signature fields to the document.
  11. Send the document for signature.

Getting Help

If further help is needed with this process, please submit an ITS Service Request to get help with Adobe Sign.

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