PDF Tools

Flatten PDF

Bakes the interactive form fields of a PDF (text boxes, checkboxes, dropdowns and similar AcroForm fields) into ordinary page content, so they can no longer be edited. It processes one PDF at a time.

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Flatten a PDF form:

  • Converts interactive form fields to static text
  • Filled-in form values stay visible on the page but can no longer be edited
  • Only form fields are flattened; comments and other annotations are not changed

How to Use

  1. 1Fill in your PDF form first in a PDF viewer and save it, if you haven't already.
  2. 2Drop the PDF onto the upload area.
  3. 3Click Flatten PDF.
  4. 4Download flattened.pdf.

Features

  • Flattens AcroForm fields using pdf-lib's form flatten routine
  • The values currently in the fields stay visible as static content
  • Accepts one PDF at a time
  • No settings; a single button does the whole job
  • Runs in your browser; the file is not uploaded

FAQ

Does flattening make my PDF secure or password protected?

No. It only stops the form fields from being edited. The PDF is not encrypted, and the text can still be copied or edited with other software. This site has no PDF password tool.

What does it do with comments, highlights or stamps?

The code flattens form fields only. Annotations such as comments and highlights are not specifically merged into the page, even though the on-page notes suggest so. Don't rely on this tool to remove or bake in annotations.

Will the file get smaller?

Not reliably. Flattening rewrites the PDF, and the size can go up or down slightly. It is not a compression tool; use Compress PDF if size is the goal.

What if my PDF has no form fields?

Then there is nothing to flatten and you get back a re-saved copy that looks the same. A PDF whose form uses XFA, an older dynamic format, or is damaged may fail to process.

Related Tools

Fill PDF Form Online Free — Auto-Detect Fields | Synthixx Tools

Fill interactive PDF form fields, or add typed text to any page of a flat PDF.

Compress PDF

Re-saves one PDF with metadata fields cleared. Does not recompress images, so savings are small.

Sign PDF

Stamp a typed name on the last page of a PDF at one of six preset positions.