Flatten PDF
Fix filled form values and annotation appearances onto the PDF pages. Text stays selectable.
Flatten forms and annotations
The free tools process your files on your device.
One PDF is free without signing in. Batch processing uses the existing Pro plan, up to 50 files. Password-protected PDFs, XFA forms and unsupported annotation appearances cannot be processed. This tool does not flatten layers or rasterize pages.
How to flatten a PDF
- Choose the PDF: press “Choose PDF” and pick a PDF with filled form fields, comments or other annotations.
- Press “Flatten PDF”: the form values and annotation appearances are drawn onto the pages, and the fields are removed.
- Save the new PDF and open it once to check every page. The original file on your device is not changed.
What flattening does — and what it does not
When you flatten a PDF form, each filled value and each comment or stamp becomes part of the page, so nobody can change the answers by clicking into a field. Text stays selectable.
It does not flatten layers or turn pages into images. Password-protected PDFs, XFA forms and annotations without a usable appearance are refused, and no file is downloaded.
When to flatten before sending
Flatten a filled application or a reviewed draft just before you send it, so the recipient sees exactly what you saw. Keep the unflattened file if you may need to edit the answers later.
Frequently asked questions
Is the text still selectable after flattening?
Yes. Flattening draws form values and annotations onto the page but does not turn pages into images, so the text can still be selected and searched.
Can I flatten a password-protected PDF or an XFA form?
No. Password-protected PDFs and XFA forms cannot be processed. Remove the password in the app that created the file, or export the form to a standard PDF first.
Is my PDF uploaded?
The free tools process your files on your device.
Can I flatten several PDFs at once?
One PDF is free without signing in. Batch processing uses the existing Pro plan, up to 50 files.