Flattening a PDF merges all interactive elements — form fields, annotations, comments, and signature fields — into the static page content, making them permanent and non-editable. After flattening, the document behaves like a plain scanned page: all visible content is preserved as-is, but form fields can no longer be filled, annotations can no longer be selected or moved, and signature fields are locked in place. Use cases: finalizing a completed form before archiving, locking annotations in a reviewed document before distribution, preventing further editing of a signed agreement, or preparing a PDF for systems that don't support interactive elements.

How-to

1
Upload File
Select your PDF.
2
Flatten
Click the flatten layer button.
3
Download
Download the flattened PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit annotations after flattening?▼

No. Once flattened, annotations are permanently fixed and cannot be edited.

Are form inputs also fixed?▼

Yes, the data entered in form fields will be fixed onto the page.

Is the PDF flattening feature free?▼

Yes, it is free.

Is the file saved on the server?▼

No, all processing is local.

Can I use it on mobile?▼

Yes.

Is the quality maintained?▼

Yes.

Is there a file size limit?▼

No.

How long does it take?▼

A few seconds.

Can I download the result multiple times?▼

Yes, in the same session.

What if an error occurs?▼

Retry if the file is corrupted.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Flatten PDF

All PDF Tools

What is Flatten PDF?

How-to

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the Flexeam Universe