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HomeCompress
Convert
JPGPDF to ImageConvert PDF pages to JPG/PNGWPDF to DOCXConvert PDF to Word documentsWWord to PDFConvert Word files to PDF
Edit PDF
Merge PDFCombine multiple PDFs into oneOrganize PagesRearrange PDF page orderEdit PDFAdd text, images to PDFRotate PagesRotate pages in PDF files
PDF Security
Add WatermarkBrand your PDFs with watermarksEncrypt PDFLock PDF with a passwordSign PDFAdd digital signature to PDF
PricingBlogContact
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HomeAll ToolsSecure PDFFlatten PDF

Flatten PDF

Flatten form fields and annotations

Select a PDF file

Drag and drop files here, or click to browse

Ready to process

Upload a file to get started

Flatten Options

  • Files never leave your device
  • Processed entirely in your browser
  • GDPR-conscious processing

About This Tool

Flatten PDF converts interactive elements like form fields and annotations into static content. The flattened PDF looks the same but can no longer be edited.

Perfect for finalizing filled forms, preserving annotations, or creating non-editable document versions.

All processing happens in your browser, ensuring your documents remain private.

How to Use

  1. 1

    Upload Your PDF

    Drag and drop your PDF with forms or annotations.

  2. 2

    Select What to Flatten

    Choose to flatten forms, annotations, or both.

  3. 3

    Flatten and Download

    Click Flatten to create the static PDF.

Use Cases

Finalize Forms

Lock filled form data to prevent changes.

Preserve Annotations

Make annotations permanent in the document.

Archive Documents

Create non-editable versions for archiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is flattening reversible?

No, flattening is permanent. Keep a backup of the original.

Will the appearance change?

No, the document looks the same but is no longer interactive.

Does it reduce file size?

Sometimes, as interactive elements are converted to simpler content.

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Sanitize PDF

Remove scripts, links, and metadata

Secure PDF

Remove Annotations

Remove all annotations

Edit & Annotate

Form Filler

Fill in PDF form fields

Edit & Annotate

References

  • PDF – WikipediaPDF interactive features and layers that flattening merges.
  • Layers (digital image editing) – WikipediaLayers concept: what gets merged during PDF flattening.
  • Remove AnnotationsRemove annotation overlays from a PDF.

Every tool you need to work with PDFs — fast, private, self-hosted.

Product
  • All tools
  • Pricing
Categories
  • Organize & Manage
  • Edit & Annotate
  • Convert to PDF
  • Convert from PDF
  • Optimize & Repair
  • Secure PDF
Company
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Help Center
Legal
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Security
  • Refund Policy
© 2026 pdfsimple. All rights reserved.