Flatten PDF
Permanently embed form fields, annotations and signatures into the page. Fields become uneditable.
Drop your PDF here
or click to browse · Files stay private
⚠ Flattening is permanent. The original form fields cannot be restored after saving.
Flattening merges everything layered on top of a PDF — form fields, comments, signatures, watermarks and optional layers — into the page itself. Afterwards those elements still display but can no longer be edited, moved or removed, which makes a filled form non-editable and a watermark permanent.
It is usually the final step before sharing a document, and it also fixes viewers that render form fields inconsistently. Flattening runs locally and is one-way, so keep an unflattened original. Learn more in our guide to flattening.
How to Use
Upload your PDF
Drop the file onto the upload zone or click to browse.
Flatten
Click Flatten PDF — all interactive elements are rasterized into the page content.
Download
Download the flattened, non-editable document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does flattening do exactly?
Flattening renders annotations, form values, and interactive overlays into each page's static content layer, removing interactivity while preserving visual appearance.
Is flattening reversible?
No — once a PDF is flattened, the form fields and annotation objects are gone. Always keep a backup of the original.
Why would I flatten a PDF?
Common reasons: sharing a completed form so fields can't be changed, preventing annotation edits, or ensuring consistent rendering across PDF viewers.