Flatten a PDF
Flatten PDF turns filled-in form fields into ordinary page content. The answers stay visible exactly as they are, but nobody can click into the fields and change them any more. That's what many offices ask for when you send back a completed form.
Annotations such as comments and highlights that belong to form fields become part of the page too. The file usually gets a little smaller, because the interactive form structure is no longer needed. Flattening doesn't touch pages without form fields.
Flattening also helps when a form looks different in different viewers, or when the answers disappear after printing: once flattened, what you see is what everyone sees. If you want to keep editing, keep a copy of the unflattened file.
The tool runs in your browser: your filled-in form never leaves your device. It tells you how many fields were flattened, and lets you know if the file had no form fields at all.
Drop a PDF here
PDF · or click to choose · you can also paste · up to 300 MB · stays on your device
Your privacy
This tool works entirely inside your browser. Your files are never uploaded to any server.
How to use Flatten PDF
- 1
Add your filled PDF form
Drop the file on the page or click to choose it.
- 2
Flatten
All form fields are merged into the pages.
- 3
Download
Save the locked PDF.
Questions and answers
Can I undo flattening?
Not in the flattened file. Keep your original if you might need to edit the answers later.
Why do I need to flatten a form?
So the answers can't be changed and look the same in every viewer and when printed.
Is my form uploaded?
No, flattening happens on your device.
Can I fill and flatten in one go?
Yes: Fill Forms has a Flatten after filling option.
It says my PDF has no fields. Why?
The PDF has nothing to flatten — for example, it's a scan or the fields were already flattened.