Create custom transparency flattener presets

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Select New to create a preset from scratch. To base a custom preset on an existing one, select the preset and then select New.

Enter a descriptive name that reflects the preset’s purpose. Name your presets to reflect their resolution, output type, or client name. For example, 300ppi Client A Print or Low-Res Web Export.

Set the Raster/Vector Balance slider to control the balance between vector and rasterized artwork. Higher values (toward 100) preserve more vectors, lower values (toward 0) rasterize more content for faster processing.

In the Line Art and Text Resolution field, enter a value between 600 and 1200 ppi for high-quality output, or a lower value for proofs and web content.

In the Gradient and Mesh Resolution field, enter a value between 150 and 300 ppi. Higher resolutions increase file size without improving gradient quality.

Select Convert All Text to Outlines to maintain a consistent text width during flattening. Note that small fonts may appear slightly thicker.

Select Convert All Strokes to Outlines to maintain consistent stroke widths. Note that thin strokes may appear slightly thicker.

Select Clip Complex Regions to reduce stitching artifacts at the boundary between vector and raster areas. Note that this may create paths too complex for some printers.

Select OK, then select OK again. Your new preset now appears in flattener preset menus throughout InDesign, including the Print (Advanced panel) and Export dialog boxes for PDF 1.3, EPS, and PostScript formats.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Select your custom preset from the list, then select Edit. The default presets, Low Resolution, Medium Resolution, and High Resolution, cannot be edited. To customize default settings, create a new preset based on a default and modify it as needed.

Modify the settings as needed. Adjust the Raster/Vector Balance, resolution, and outline or clipping options as needed.

Select OK, then select OK again.

Select Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets.

Choose the custom preset you want to export from the list.

Select Save, then specify a filename and location outside your application preferences folder to prevent loss if you reset preferences.

Select Save to create the FLST preset file.

Share the FLST file. Recipients can import it by selecting Edit > Transparency Flattener Presets, selecting Load, choosing the FLST file, and then selecting Open.