Flatten PDF online
Flatten PDF forms to make filled-in fields part of the page. They stop being editable fields, which is what many offices ask for.
Drop your file here
Pick your file
Accepted: .pdf. Up to 300 MB per file.
Your files stay on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
How to flatten a PDF
- Add your PDF.
- Choose a mode: form fields only, or everything.
- Press Start and download the flattened file.
What flattening a PDF means
A PDF form has fields sitting on top of the page. Anyone can click and change them. Flattening merges those answers into the page itself, so what you filled in stays as it is. People ask for this before signing off contracts, applications or tax forms.
Which flatten PDF mode should you use?
Form fields only is the one to start with. It locks the answers, and the text stays selectable. Everything turns each page into an image at 200 DPI, which also locks comments and stamps. The catch is that the text can no longer be selected or searched, and the file may grow.
Formats and limits
It takes standard PDFs up to 300 MB. If your PDF has no form fields, form mode changes nothing and tells you so. Password-protected files need the password removed first.
Questions people ask
How do I flatten a PDF with comments?
Choose the Everything mode. Comments and stamps are drawn onto the page as part of the image.
Can flattening be undone?
No. Keep the original if you might need to edit it.
Is flattening the same as protecting a PDF?
No. It stops casual editing, but it isn't encryption or a signature.