Flatten PDF
Lock form answers, comments and stamps into the page so they can't be edited.
Runs in your browser. Your file is never uploaded.
Flatten PDF in short
Add a PDF, then choose what to flatten: form fields, comments and annotations, or both, then download the flattened copy. It's free, there's no sign-up, and it runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
How to use Flatten PDF
- 1Add a PDF.
- 2Choose what to flatten: form fields, comments and annotations, or both.
- 3Download the flattened copy.
Good to know
- Each field and annotation is drawn into the page exactly as viewers show it, then removed. The page looks the same; nothing on it can be changed.
- Links stay clickable. Hidden fields and annotations are removed without being drawn, the way viewers show them.
- Comment text in pop-up notes is removed. The comment mark (highlight, note icon, box) stays on the page.
- Any digital signature in the file is no longer valid afterwards, because the file is rewritten.
- Flattening can't be undone, so keep the original if you might need to edit it.
- This tool runs in your browser. Very large files depend on your device's memory.
Guides
- How to flatten a PDF, and when you should
Flattening locks form answers, comments and stamps into the page so nobody can change them. What it does, when to do it, the steps, and what it can't undo.
Flatten PDF: common questions
- Is Flatten PDF free?
- Yes. Flatten PDF is free and works without an account, for files up to 25 MB and 150 pages. A free account raises that to 50 MB and 400 pages.
- Are my files uploaded to a server?
- No. Flatten PDF runs in your web browser, so the file is read on your own device and never sent to ConvertFile.
- What does it mean to flatten a PDF?
- Flattening draws form answers, comments, stamps and signature images into the page itself and removes the editable layer they sat on. The page looks the same, but nothing on it can be typed over, moved, ticked or deleted.
- Why would I flatten a PDF before sending it?
- So the recipient sees exactly what you filled in. Unflattened forms can be edited by anyone who opens them, and some viewers and printers don't show form fields or comments at all. Many offices ask for flattened forms for that reason.
- Can I undo flattening?
- No. The fields and annotations are gone from the new file, so keep your original if you might need to edit it again.
- Does Flatten PDF work on Mac, Windows, Android and iPhone?
- Yes. It runs in any modern web browser, with nothing to install. Very large files work best on a desktop or laptop, because in-browser tools use your device's memory.
Related tools
More in Edit and annotate- Fill PDF formsType into a PDF form's fields and save the filled copy.
- Sign PDFDraw or upload a signature image and place it on a page.
- Protect PDFAdd a password so the file can't be opened without it.
- Redact PDFBlack out names, numbers and other sensitive details so they're gone for good.
- Merge PDFJoin PDFs, scans and photos into one PDF, in the order you choose.