Download Flattener
Get started with Mapsoft Flattener — the Adobe Acrobat plugin for flattening and removing annotations in PDF documents. Free download · Lifetime use · No registration required.
Using Acrobat 2023 or newer? The Plug-Ins menu moved.
Adobe redesigned the Acrobat interface in late 2023 and the classic menu bar is no longer visible by default. After you install this plug-in, you’ll find its commands under the new Menu icon (top-left of the Acrobat window) → Plug-Ins.
Important Notes
Acrobat Required
This plugin requires the full version of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Pro). It will not run under the free Adobe Reader.
Get Adobe Acrobat →Acrobat DC (32-bit & 64-bit)
There are now two versions of Acrobat DC: 32-bit and 64-bit, identified on the Acrobat title bar. The installer will detect and install the correct version automatically.
Free for Lifetime Use
Flattener is now free to use with no licence required and no activation. Download, install, and use it for as long as you like.
Digitally Signed
All Mapsoft installers are digitally signed by Mapsoft Computer Services Limited for your security. Learn more →
System Requirements
Requires Adobe Acrobat DC, 2020, or 2017 (Standard or Pro) on Windows 10 or 11. See full requirements on the product page.
Getting Started
Please read the following instructions to help you get started using Flattener.
Installation
Please make sure that you have the full version of Acrobat installed. This plug-in will not run under the free Adobe Reader. The plug-in becomes part of Adobe Acrobat, so once the software is installed you will need to open Adobe Acrobat to use it.
To install the software:
- Step 1: Extract the installer from the zip file that you have downloaded. In Windows you probably won't have to extract the installer as the zip file will open just like a folder.
- Step 2: Run the
Mapsoft_Flattener_Install.exefile by double clicking on it. On some systems that are more restricted you may need to run the installer as Administrator (right-click and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu). Do not change the user to an Administrator account to complete the installation. - Step 3: Run through the screens and agree to the licence agreement. Flattener is free to use — no serial number, registration, or activation is required.
Silent Installation
The installer supports silent mode for automated or scripted deployments:
Mapsoft_Flattener_Install.exe /VERYSILENT
Using the Software
Once the plug-in is installed and you load Acrobat, you will find Flattener on the Plug-ins > Mapsoft menu.
Running Flattener Under Acrobat’s Protected Mode
Flattener now runs with Acrobat’s Protected Mode switched on. Earlier builds could fail to work correctly under Protected Mode, and the advice then was to turn the setting off in Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced). That is no longer necessary: install the current version and leave Protected Mode enabled.
This matters beyond convenience. Adobe is removing the option to disable Protected Mode altogether — December 2026 on Windows — after which every plug-in must run inside it. See what this means for your plug-ins.
Resources
Everything you need to get the most out of Flattener.
Questions About Flattener?
Flattener is now a free download for lifetime use. If you need help or have questions, get in touch with our team.
After Download
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