Flatten PDF Document
Permanently lock fillable form fields and merge annotations into the document while keeping text selectable
Flatten PDF
What to flatten:
How to Use Safe Flatten
- 1 Upload the PDF containing forms or annotations
- 2 Select elements to flatten: Forms, Comments, or Both
- 3 Process the flattening operation
- 4 Download your secured PDF document
What You Get
Permanent locking of interactive elements. Form fields become static text. Annotations merge into page content. Original text quality preserved throughout.
Input: Completed insurance claim form
Output: Secure PDF with all fields locked as permanent text
Input: Legal document with review comments
Output: Clean final version with comments embedded in pages
Input: Application with dropdown selections
Output: Static document showing selected values only
What does it mean to flatten a PDF?
Flattening converts interactive elements like form fields and annotations into static content that cannot be edited or changed.
How do I lock form fields in a PDF?
Upload your filled PDF form and click Flatten. All entered values become permanent text that cannot be modified.
Can I still copy text from a flattened PDF?
Yes. Flattening only affects interactive elements. Original text remains fully selectable, searchable, and copyable.
How do I permanently embed comments in a PDF?
Use Flatten with the Comments option. All annotations and comments merge into the page content permanently.
Is flattening a PDF reversible?
No. Flattening is permanent. Always keep a backup of your original file before flattening.
Will flattening increase PDF file size?
Usually no. File size often decreases because interactive element code and form data structures are removed.
Do digital signatures survive flattening?
The visual appearance is preserved, but cryptographic signature validation may be affected. Test before distributing.
Should I sign a PDF before or after flattening?
Sign first, then flatten. This locks both the document content and your signature in place permanently.
Why would I want to flatten a PDF?
To send forms with fixed values, finalize documents for distribution, or ensure content cannot be altered by recipients.
Is flattening PDFs free online?
Yes. This tool is completely free. Process unlimited documents with no signup or watermarks.
Your files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.