Why flatten transparency in illustrator

Open the file in Acrobat Pro. Initially we need to check what Colour Separations are contained in the file. To preview the separations open the Output Preview tab:. Acrobat DC has a menu customising feature, so it is not found in the main menu in the default program.

For instructions on how to do this, check our guide at www. Then the file is ready to be flattened using the following steps:. Flattening an image in Illustrator can also be described as flattening transparency, which is a two-clicks process. I have an image, text, and a shape on my Artboard, created in different layers. As you can see in the Layers panel: Shape, image, and text. Step 1 : Use the Selection tool V , click and drag to select all layers.

Change the setting accordingly. Normally I just leave it as it is. Just hit OK. Everything is combined in one layer and the text is outlined, which means you cannot edit them anymore. You can flatten layers in the Layers panel by clicking Flatten Artwork. Step 1 : Go to the Layers panel and click this hidden table of content. Step 2 : Click Flatten Artwork. Flattening an image reduces the size of the file, not directly affecting the quality of the image.

You can choose the image quality when you flatten and save the file. Flattening an image is very simple and useful. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. What is Transparency Flattening? Ask Question. Asked 5 years, 2 months ago. Active 5 years, 2 months ago.

Viewed 6k times. Improve this question. Old school? You do need it and will continue to need it years to come. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Fifth reason to be backwards compatible in workflow and file formats. Improve this answer. The reasons I agree the most are 1, 3 and You missed the 5th Xo — Rafael.