How to Flatten a PDF
1. Upload Your PDF
Select the PDF with annotations or form fields.
2. Initiate Flattening
This is a one-click process. No settings needed.
3. Flatten the Layers
Our tool merges all elements into a single, static layer.
4. Download Your PDF
Your secure, flattened PDF is ready instantly.
Key Features
- Secure Your Content: Prevent further editing of form fields and annotations, locking in the content.
- Improve Compatibility: Flattening ensures your PDF looks the same across all viewers, as some may not display interactive elements correctly.
- Prepare for Printing: Ensure that all comments, highlights, and form data are printed exactly as they appear on screen.
- One-Click Simplicity: No complex options. Just upload your file and click to flatten.
- Safe & Private: Your files are processed securely in your browser and are never uploaded to any servers.
Use Cases
After filling out a government or legal form, flatten it to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes before submission.
Lock in all comments, highlights, and suggestions from a team review to create a final, non-editable record of the feedback.
Flatten PDFs before archiving to ensure long-term visual integrity and prevent issues with future PDF reader incompatibility.
Tips & Best Practices
Final Step, Not First
Flattening should be the last step in your workflow. Once a PDF is flattened, the interactive elements cannot be easily restored. Always work on a copy if you might need to edit the fields later.
Check Your Work
Before flattening, double-check that all form fields are filled out correctly and all annotations are as you want them. What you see is what you will get in the final file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Tools
Ready to Lock In Your Content?
Ensure your forms and annotations are permanent and universally viewable. Try our free and secure Flatten PDF tool now!