Goal
Option A
Restrict access
Option B
Lock presentation
FAQ Guide
Protect PDF vs Flatten PDF
Protecting limits access; flattening makes interactive or layered content more fixed and predictable for recipients.
Quick comparison
Best for
Option A
Private files
Option B
Finalized forms
Security
Option A
Password layer
Option B
Not access control
Questions and answers
Does flattening secure a PDF?
No. Flattening is mainly about presentation and edit behavior, not true access security.
When should I protect instead?
Protect when the file should not be opened casually by unintended recipients.
Can I do both?
Yes, finalize the presentation first, then protect the delivered file when appropriate.