What is a "Flattened" PDF?

A Flattened PDF is a file where the contents of the PDF are no longer recognizable as individual parts, so the Scriptation algorithm (or any PDF program) isn't going to be able to recognize ANY text in the file.

This often happens with scanned files, and with some watermarking programs.

NOTE: On Flattened PDFs, features like Note Transfer and Actor Highlighting will not work.

How can I check if my PDF has been flattened?

An easy way to test if your file has been flattened is by trying to use the Highlight function.



If the Highlight function does not recognize any text, then the file unfortunately has been flattened. You may want to ask your production folks if they can distribute their files in a different way, to ensure everyone can go paperless!

What's Next

Why isn't Actor Highlighting or Character Names working?
What is Scriptation Team?
How do I create Color Presets?

Updated on: 18/06/2021