Flatten PDF
Convert form fields and annotations into permanent, non-editable content.
About this tool
After filling in a PDF form you often need to lock the answers so they cannot be modified — before emailing a signed application, for example. Flatten PDF merges all form fields and their values into the page content itself, turning interactive elements into permanent, printable graphics.
Flattening also fixes documents that display differently across PDF readers, because the filled values become part of the page rather than a separate layer.
How to use Flatten PDF
1
Add your PDF file
Drag and drop the filled-in form or annotated document.
2
Click Apply
All form fields are merged into the page content.
3
Download the flattened PDF
The locked document downloads instantly.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does flattening do?
It takes interactive elements — text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns — and paints their current values permanently onto the page, removing the editable fields.
Can flattening be undone?
No. Once flattened, fields cannot be made editable again. Keep a copy of the original if you may need to edit it later.
Why do some receivers see my form empty?
Some PDF viewers don't display unflattened form data correctly. Flattening solves this by embedding the values directly into the page.