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
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" \
Response
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
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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.

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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.

Start from Code Examples

  1. First, you'll need an API Key - to:
    • Stay anonymous with a Guest API Key for 50 free API Calls
    • Sign up for an upgraded API Key with unlimited, continuous service
  2. Choose your programming language
  3. Copy and paste the code to your project
  4. Update Api-Key field with your unique API Key
  5. Update file with the local path to your input
  6. 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"

Customize Your Solution

File

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

See Documentation
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