PDF Flatten

Flatten PDF form fields and annotations — make PDFs non-editable, free and private

🔒 Your files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.
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Drop your PDF here or click to upload

Select a PDF with form fields to flatten

ℹī¸ What flattening does: Flattening merges form fields and annotations into the page content, making them permanent and non-editable. This is useful when sharing completed forms or finalising documents.
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What is PDF Flattening?

PDF flattening is the process of merging interactive form fields, annotations, and comments into the static page content. Once flattened, the form fields can no longer be edited, and the PDF appears the same in all viewers.

Common use cases include: sharing completed forms, archiving documents, preventing further editing, and ensuring consistent display across all PDF viewers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a flattened and non-flattened PDF?

A non-flattened PDF has interactive form fields that can be filled in or edited. A flattened PDF has those fields merged into the page, making them permanent and non-editable.

Can I undo flattening?

No. Flattening is a one-way process. Once flattened, form fields cannot be restored. Always keep a copy of the original PDF before flattening.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. All processing happens entirely in your browser. Your PDF files never leave your device.

Will flattening reduce the file size?

Flattening may slightly reduce file size by removing form field metadata, but the primary purpose is to make the document non-editable, not to compress it.