[Bug] Export to pdf on Preview (Monterey)

After even more research, it looks like annotation metadata has been included in files annotated by Preview as far back as 2013! Complete with the account display name of the macOS user who made the edits.

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/101452/remove-author-metadata-from-pdf-annotations-in-preview

You can view annotations in PDFs by going to Tools > Show Inspector > Annotations. Here is an old screenshot from 2014:

So it looks like the only thing new here is that Monterey allows you to edit annotations previously made, just by opening the PDF. In theory you can now edit annotations made as far back as macOS Yosemite (although I haven't tested it).

If you want to flatten the PDF, you can use Chrome to "print" to PDF. If you try to do the same with Safari, it will still include the annotation metadata.

I have the same issue as well.

In Preview, I used to be able to Print to PDF or Save as PDF. I normally use this option to save/print a password protected PDF to the same PDF format to remove the password.

After I upgraded to Monterey, this function is greyed out. Steps to replicate:

1. Double click on a PDF to open it using Preview

2. menu: File-> Export as PDF is greyed out

3. Cmd-P (print) -> PDF -> save as PDF is greyed out

4. If I hold down Option-> Save as PDF, it saves the PDF but the password protection is still there.

Super annoying that a feature that has been working for years, now no longer works!!

Follow my steps on https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253311624?answerId=256850060022#256850060022 and then do the following:

• Right-click (or hold down Control and then click) the duplicate and you will see this:

• Now click on 'Get Info' and you will see this:

• Now click on the checkbox next to 'Locked' and a tick mark should appear inside it.
• This makes the duplicate read-only (not editable).

I have the same problem as Mike and feel his frustration as the answers come in that are not solutions. Although the print and save as PDF is actually a acceptable workaround. So thanks for that one!

I hope Apple corrects the BUG, although maybe it is not a bug, but are they not allowed to export as PDF anymore because it actually alters a document without the authors permission?

But anyway: Apple please correct this bug as it was in Big Sur and before

I'm having the same problem! I reported to Apple here: Feedback - macOS - Apple

This duplicated the secure document. It did not strip the security.

Have you tried saving the pdf file to notes and updating it in that app? My understanding is Notes has become very versatile.

I have the same problem. "export as PDF..." is greyed out and the "export..." option opens no window.

Not only that, chrome is acting wired too and doesn't download PDF's. I'm thinking getting back to Big Sur.

Monterey upgrades are not that good anyway

I'm having the same problem. Very irritating. Even the option to go to Print, 'print as PDF' is now not working.

Though it seems going back to Big Sur is complicated (I'm not computer savvy).

I sent Feedback and will do so again.

I am surprised how can new OS has such a bug.. testing team needs to be fired!.. you can not put all the user who update the OS early to such sufferings.

even other office suite also have the highly delayed reaction to the save as function one the extended monitor.

Unfortunately that also is now disabled..it had been my workaround before. The save as PDF in the drop down print menu is grayed out.

Ive had to return to the archaic method of printing, signing, scanning ..ugh!