Make PDF mark ups in Preview static (not editable)

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Level 1

17 points

Make PDF mark ups in Preview static (not editable)

Is there a way to make the mark up changes you add to a PDF, not changeable? Saving or exporting a PDF in Preview does NOT "flatten" the markup changes (with the exception of adding signatures which inexplicably become static on export) Mark up features such as boxes or highlights remain dynamic after saving or exporting. Sending PDFs with markup additions can be manipulated or accidentally moved. "Locking" a file still allows changes to mark up additions.

Posted on Jan 17, 2022 10:05 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MartinR

Level 7

21,430 points

Jan 18, 2022 9:53 AM in response to jewelslife

In Preview, do File > Print > PDF > Save as PDF (of course, giving the output file its own unique name). That will flatten the output PDF file, in which the markups/annotations cannot be edited.

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Answer 2

lllaass

Level 10

210,453 points

Jan 18, 2022 1:36 AM in response to jewelslife

After you clicking on File>print, go to the bottom center of the print window and select PDF>Save as PDF

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Answer 3

jewelslife Author

Level 1

17 points

Jan 18, 2022 1:45 PM in response to PRP_53

Checking this permissions still allows mark-up changes to be manipulated.

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Answer 4

jewelslife Author

Level 1

17 points

Jan 18, 2022 1:44 PM in response to lllaass

I see. Yes. This works. Thank you @Illaass.

What a strange (almost hidden) way to achieve this result. It seem like old architecture from a past way, solidifying changes by physically printing them. It is as if software developers are keeping to old terminology and old paths to achieve functions. Preview has "save", "export", "print" and "save as pdf" all in the same program. Needs a re-write : )

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