How to “flatten” (include PDF comments) in an e-mailed form

[larrycruzen]

After filling out a form in “FILES”, using the form editor (bar with dots in the upper right hand corner) how can you email a “flattened “ version including the PDF comments? When you print the form, it asks you if you want to include these PDF comments, but not if you choose to email it.
I have had to print the form with the PDF comments, then scan it back in, in order to email it. When dealing with a large number of forms, which I have filled out, that is a real pain.

Larry Cruzen

 

[LannyC]

I don’t have a form to test this on, but do you see any option to “print to text?”
- or -
Instead of printing then scanning, how about just emailing a screen shot? On a recent iPad, press the top button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously.

 

[larrycruzen]

I don’t have a form to test this on, but do you see any option to “print to text?”
- or -
Instead of printing then scanning, how about just emailing a screen shot? On a recent iPad, press the top button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously.

No option to print to text.

The forms that I have been working with run 6 to 15 pages long. Screenshots are not an option. Printing and scanning back in is a very poor option, but I just can’t find another way yet.

Larry Cruzen

 

[twerppoet]

I've played around with this, but had very limited success. Even when choosing to print the file, expanding the preview, and Save to Files results in a fillable PDF. Files seems very stubborn about this, even to the extent that if you give it an flat form, it will detect and try to make it fillable (with poor success).

I did manage to use Shortcuts to kind of flatten the PDF, by converting it to an image. But the nature of images don't support multiple pages, so I end up with an image of each page.

Sorry to say, but I don't think there is an easy/good solution to this using the Files app at this time.

Personally I use the Documents app by Readdle. If you don't want the extra document features, PDF Expert by Readdle is just the PDF editing tools. When saving or duplicating a PDF in Documents it always gives you an Original or Flatten option. It is not, however, free.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is free for basic functionality (last I checked). It probably gives you a similar option.

 

[Aerofly]

I would second the use of PDF Expert for editing, again always gives the option of original or flattened, but you will have to spend a little as it’s not free.