API Tools
Flatten Forms

Flatten Forms

Pro

Flatten Forms is a REST API tool that preserves and locks PDF form field values, makes forms no longer editable, and converts Acroform and XFA files into standard PDF files for maximum compatibility.

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Parameters

Api-Key

Required Parameters

POST

/flattened-forms-pdf

curl -X POST "https://api.pdfrest.com/flattened-forms-pdf" \ 
  -H "Accept: application/json" \ 
  -H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data" \
  -H "Api-Key: xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx" \
  curl -X POST "https://api.pdfrest.com/flattened-forms-pdf" \ 
  -H "Accept: application/json" \ 
  -H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data" \
  -H "Api-Key: xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx" \
  

Response

The response for your API Call will display here.The response for your API Call will display here.

Once you've sent your POST request and received a valid response, you can download your output file using the output URL.

Pro

What are Pro Tools?

Pro Tools are powerful API Tools that require a Pro or Enterprise plan for unrestricted access. All plans may be used to test Pro Tools, but output will be watermarked or otherwise limited below the Pro plan level.

Build your solution

You have document processing problems, we have Solutions. Explore the many ways pdfRest can align your documents with your business objectives.

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Optimize Filled PDF Forms for Universal Compatibility

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Why is pdfRest the best API to flatten PDF forms?

pdfRest offers the best solution for flattening PDF forms, because it preserves form field values, supports XFA and Acroforms, and maximizes compatibility.

Preserve Form Field Values

Flattening PDF forms preserves the values and appearance of each form field while making all form fields no longer editable. Removing interactive editing capabilities locks your form data into your file.

Once forms have been filled in with data and are no longer intended to be modified, the form flattening process is an important step that protects against accidental modifications and secures the integrity of your data.

No Forms Left Behind

Unlike other form flattening solutions, pdfRest leverages Adobe® technology to support the full range of form types that can be included in PDF documents:

Static XFA
Dynamic XFA
Acroforms

All of these formats are commonly used in PDF form generation workflows, but they are not equally well-supported with post-processing tools and applications. When your workflow processes many different forms or you're unsure which type of forms are used, count on a reliable solution with complete form support.

Maximize Compatibility

Interactive PDF forms can present challenges within your document pipeline. Dynamic XFA forms, for example, can only be opened by a limited range of PDF viewers, such as Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader. Attempting to view, print, or otherwise process Dynamic XFA documents outside of a select few applications generally leads to confusing errors and warning messages. This can break your workflow and leave your users frustrated.

Flattening PDF forms turns poorly supported XFA files into standard PDF files with universal compatibility.

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Start from Code Examples

First, you'll need an API Key - to:
- Stay anonymous with a Guest API Key for 10 free API Calls
- Sign up for an upgraded API Key with unlimited, continuous service
Choose your programming language
Copy and paste the code to your project
Update Api-Key field with your unique API Key
Update file with the local path to your input
Run this code to send an API Call

See more code examples in our
GitHub repository

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curl -X POST "https://api.pdfrest.com/flattened-forms-pdf" \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data" \
  -H "Api-Key: xxxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx" \
  -F "file=@../Sample_Input/ducky.pdf" \
  -F "output=example_out"curl -X POST "https://api.pdfrest.com/flattened-forms-pdf" \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data" \
  -H "Api-Key: xxxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx" \
  -F "file=@../Sample_Input/ducky.pdf" \
  -F "output=example_out"

Need more help?

Start with a Tutorial for step-by-step guidance

How to Flatten PDF Forms in .NET with C#

How to Flatten PDF Forms with cURL

How to Flatten PDF Forms with JavaScript in NodeJS

How to Flatten PDF Forms with PHP

How to Flatten PDF Forms with Python

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Customize Your Solution

File

The file parameter allows you to select a local file to be uploaded to pdfRest’s processing server.

The id parameter allows you to submit one a resource ID generated by one of our API Tools. Each API Tool assigns a unique resource ID to your output files, allowing you to chain requests together without having to download intermediate files between requests.

For example, you can use Upload Files to first upload your PDF form documents and then include the resource IDs for each uploaded file to a call to Flatten Forms.

Output

The output parameter lets you provide a file name (without extension) for your new flattened PDF.

See Documentation

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