---
title: Flatten graph token filter
description: Flattens a token graph produced by a graph token filter, such as synonym_graph or word_delimiter_graph. Flattening a token graph containing multi-position...
url: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/reference/text-analysis/analysis-flatten-graph-tokenfilter
products:
  - Elasticsearch
---

# Flatten graph token filter
Flattens a [token graph](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/manage-data/data-store/text-analysis/token-graphs) produced by a graph token filter, such as [`synonym_graph`](https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/reference/text-analysis/analysis-synonym-graph-tokenfilter) or [`word_delimiter_graph`](https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/reference/text-analysis/analysis-word-delimiter-graph-tokenfilter).
Flattening a token graph containing [multi-position tokens](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/manage-data/data-store/text-analysis/token-graphs#token-graphs-multi-position-tokens) makes the graph suitable for [indexing](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/manage-data/data-store/text-analysis/index-search-analysis). Otherwise, indexing does not support token graphs containing multi-position tokens.
<warning>
  Flattening graphs is a lossy process.If possible, avoid using the `flatten_graph` filter. Instead, use graph token filters in [search analyzers](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/manage-data/data-store/text-analysis/index-search-analysis) only. This eliminates the need for the `flatten_graph` filter.
</warning>

The `flatten_graph` filter uses Lucene’s [FlattenGraphFilter](https://lucene.apache.org/core/10_0_0/analysis/common/org/apache/lucene/analysis/core/FlattenGraphFilter.md).

## Example

To see how the `flatten_graph` filter works, you first need to produce a token graph containing multi-position tokens.
The following [analyze API](https://www.elastic.co/docs/api/doc/elasticsearch/operation/operation-indices-analyze) request uses the `synonym_graph` filter to add `internet phonebook` as a multi-position synonym for `domain name system` in the text `domain name system is fragile`:
```json

{
  "tokenizer": "standard",
  "filter": [
    {
      "type": "synonym_graph",
      "synonyms": [ "internet phonebook, domain name system" ]
    }
  ],
  "text": "domain name system is fragile"
}
```

The filter produces the following token graph with `internet phonebook` as a multi-position token.
![token graph dns synonym example](https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/reference/text-analysis/images/token-graph-dns-synonym-ex2.svg)

Indexing does not support token graphs containing multi-position tokens. To make this token graph suitable for indexing, it needs to be flattened.
To flatten the token graph, add the `flatten_graph` filter after the `synonym_graph` filter in the previous analyze API request.
```json

{
  "tokenizer": "standard",
  "filter": [
    {
      "type": "synonym_graph",
      "synonyms": [ "internet phonebook, domain name system" ]
    },
    "flatten_graph"
  ],
  "text": "domain name system is fragile"
}
```

The filter produces the following flattened token graph, which is suitable for indexing.
![token graph dns flattened example](https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/reference/text-analysis/images/token-graph-dns-synonym-flattened-ex2.svg)


## Add to an analyzer

The following [create index API](https://www.elastic.co/docs/api/doc/elasticsearch/operation/operation-indices-create) request uses the `flatten_graph` token filter to configure a new [custom analyzer](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/manage-data/data-store/text-analysis/create-custom-analyzer).
In this analyzer, a custom `word_delimiter_graph` filter produces token graphs containing catenated, multi-position tokens. The `flatten_graph` filter flattens these token graphs, making them suitable for indexing.
```json

{
  "settings": {
    "analysis": {
      "analyzer": {
        "my_custom_index_analyzer": {
          "type": "custom",
          "tokenizer": "standard",
          "filter": [
            "my_custom_word_delimiter_graph_filter",
            "flatten_graph"
          ]
        }
      },
      "filter": {
        "my_custom_word_delimiter_graph_filter": {
          "type": "word_delimiter_graph",
          "catenate_all": true
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
```