Flatten PDF

Make form fields and annotations non-editable by flattening them into the PDF.

Click to select PDFs or drag and drop

Single or multiple PDF files supported

Your files never leave your device.

What is PDF Flattening?

PDF flattening is the process of converting interactive form fields and annotations into static, non-editable content. This "locks" the PDF, preventing further modifications to form data, comments, highlights, and other interactive elements.

When should you flatten a PDF?

  • Finalizing Documents: Lock forms after they've been filled out to prevent accidental changes
  • Legal Compliance: Create unalterable records for contracts, applications, or official forms
  • Print Preparation: Ensure forms print correctly without interactive elements interfering
  • Document Security: Prevent unauthorized modifications to completed forms
  • Sharing Final Versions: Distribute documents that shouldn't be edited by recipients
  • Archiving: Preserve the exact state of a document for long-term storage

Important Notes

  • ✓ Flattening is irreversible
  • ✓ Forms become non-editable
  • ✓ Annotations become part of page
  • ✓ Original formatting preserved
  • ✓ No watermarks added

How to Flatten PDF in 3 Steps

1

Upload PDF

Select your PDF with forms or annotations. Drag and drop or click to browse. Multiple files supported.

2

Flatten Content

Our tool automatically detects and flattens all form fields, annotations, and interactive elements.

3

Download Result

Download your flattened PDF. All form fields are now non-editable static content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our flattening tool processes all interactive elements:

  • Form Fields: Text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown lists
  • Annotations: Comments, sticky notes, highlights, underlines
  • Digital Signatures: Signature fields (appearance is preserved)
  • Interactive Elements: Buttons, links, form calculations
  • Drawings & Shapes: Lines, circles, rectangles added as annotations

No, flattening is generally irreversible. Once flattened:

  • Form fields cannot be edited or filled
  • Annotations become part of the page background
  • Interactive functionality is permanently removed
  • Always keep an original copy before flattening
  • Consider using PDF Editor for non-destructive editing

Flattening typically has minimal impact on quality but may affect file size:

  • Quality: Text and images remain at original resolution
  • File Size: May increase slightly as form data becomes embedded
  • Visual Appearance: No changes to how the PDF looks
  • Recommendation: Use our Compress PDF tool if size is critical

Our current tool flattens all pages in the document. For selective flattening:

  1. Use Split PDF to separate pages
  2. Flatten only the necessary files
  3. Use Merge PDF to recombine
  4. Or try our PDF Multi Tool for advanced control

Digital signatures are handled carefully during flattening:

  • Visual Signature: Appearance is preserved as part of the page
  • Signature Validation: Cryptographic validation may be affected
  • Legal Validity: Consult legal requirements before flattening signed documents
  • Best Practice: Flatten before adding final signatures when possible

Related PDF Tools

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