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Flatten PDF

Flatten interactive PDF forms and annotations

What This Tool Does

Our Flatten PDF tool converts interactive PDF forms and annotations into static, non-editable content. When you flatten a PDF, all form fields, annotations, comments, and markups are merged into the document's base content, making them permanent and uneditable. This process is useful when you want to preserve form data or annotations exactly as they appear, prevent further editing, or prepare documents for printing or sharing in a final format. Once flattened, form fields can no longer be edited, and annotations become part of the document content. All processing happens instantly in your browser, ensuring your documents remain private and secure. The tool is completely free with no watermarks, no file size limits, and no signup required. Perfect for finalizing filled forms, preserving annotations, or creating non-editable versions of documents for distribution.

When Should You Use This Tool?

  • When finalizing filled PDF forms to preserve data and prevent further editing
  • When preserving annotations, comments, or markups as permanent document content
  • When preparing documents for printing where form fields should appear as static content
  • When creating non-editable versions of documents for secure sharing or archival
  • When ensuring form data or annotations cannot be accidentally modified or deleted

Security & Privacy

Your privacy and security are our top priorities. All Flatten PDF processing is designed with security-first principles.

  • Files are processed securely: Most operations happen directly in your browser. Your files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy.
  • Files are auto-deleted: Any files processed on our servers (for advanced operations) are automatically deleted immediately after processing. We don't store your files.
  • No signup required: Use our tools instantly without creating an account. No email, no passwords, no personal information required.
  • No file storage: We don't save, archive, or store your files. Once processing is complete, files are permanently removed from our systems.

Learn more about our security practices →

Features

  • Flatten interactive form fields
  • Merge annotations into content
  • Make PDF non-editable
  • Perfect for printing and sharing

Frequently Asked Questions about Flatten PDF

How do I flatten a PDF?

Upload your PDF file with forms or annotations, choose to flatten forms, annotations, or both, and click "Process Files" to create a flattened, non-editable version.

What does flattening a PDF mean?

Flattening merges interactive elements (forms, annotations, comments) into the base content, making them permanent and non-editable, ideal for printing or finalizing documents.

Is flattening PDFs free?

Yes, flattening PDF files is completely free with no watermarks, no registration required, and no file size limits.

Why would I flatten a PDF?

Flattening is useful for finalizing documents, preventing further edits, preparing for printing, or ensuring annotations are permanently visible to all viewers.

Will flattening affect document quality?

No, flattening doesn't reduce quality. It merges interactive elements into the content while maintaining original appearance and quality.

Can I undo flattening?

No, flattening is permanent. The original file remains unchanged, but once flattened, interactive elements cannot be separated again. Always keep a backup.

What happens to form fields?

Form fields are converted to static text/images showing their current values. They can no longer be edited or filled out after flattening.

Features

Fast Processing

Convert files in seconds

100% Secure

All processing is client-side

High Quality

Maintains original quality

No Limits

Process unlimited files