Flatten Forms and Annotations in a PDF
Upload one or more PDF files and flatten them: the values of filled-in form fields and the look of comments, highlights, stamps and drawings are drawn into the page itself, and the interactive fields and annotations are removed. The document looks exactly the same, but nothing can be changed, moved or deleted any more — ideal before sending a completed form or a reviewed document.
Flattening also makes a PDF look the same in every viewer and printer, including those that don't show form fields or annotations correctly. Links stay clickable. Files are kept for 48 hours and then deleted automatically — or you can delete them yourself at any time.
Why Use This PDF Flattening Tool?
- Lock filled-in form values so they can't be changed
- Make comments, highlights and stamps part of the page
- The same look in every PDF viewer and on paper
- Flatten many PDF files at once
How to Flatten a PDF
- Drag and drop your PDF files, or click to select them
- Choose whether to flatten form fields, annotations or both
- Click "Flatten PDF" and download the result
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flattening a PDF free?
Yes, flattening your PDF files is completely free.
What does flattening a PDF mean?
Interactive elements — form fields and annotations such as comments or highlights — are layers on top of the page. Flattening draws what they show into the page itself and removes the interactive layer, so the page looks the same but can no longer be edited.
When should I flatten a PDF?
Before sending a filled-in form, so the answers can't be altered; before printing, so every printer shows the fields; and when sharing a reviewed document whose comments and markings should stay exactly as they are.
Is my file kept private?
Files are transferred over an encrypted connection and processed on our server. Uploaded files and results are stored for 48 hours, so you can download the result via its link, and are then deleted automatically. You can delete them yourself at any time with the delete button in the “Your files” list.
Is there a file size limit?
Yes, uploaded PDF files must be 1 GB or smaller.