# export.flatten

Part of [Export](https://kernstra.com/docs/web-sdk/config/export) in the Kernstra Web SDK 1.0.0 configuration reference.

- Type: `boolean`
- Default: `false`
- Page: https://kernstra.com/docs/web-sdk/config/export/flatten

Flatten on export: every page's fields and comments, as the page prints (anything not marked to print — a form field included — is dropped); the form itself is removed. By default a download keeps comments and form fields as they are: anyone can still select, edit, reply to or remove them in Acrobat or any other reader, as with Acrobat's own downloads. To hand out locked documents — signed forms, final contracts — turn flattening on for every download, or per call with [`exporter.download(name, { flatten: true })`](https://kernstra.com/docs/web-sdk/api/pdfexporter/download). In the Download dialog this is the one setting that cannot be undone — **Lock in form answers and annotations** — starting from `flatten`, and grayed out on a signed document with the reason, since the signature would not survive.

```ts
export: { flatten: true } // every Download locks answers and comments into the page
```

Web page: https://kernstra.com/docs/web-sdk/config/export/flatten