Flatten PDF
Lock form fields and annotations permanently into the page.
Drop your file here, or browse
PDF — max 50 MB
How it works
- 1
Upload your PDF: filled forms, annotations, or layered content
- 2
We flatten everything using Ghostscript, and fields become plain text
- 3
Download your flattened PDF, with no editable fields left
Features
- Permanently bakes form fields into page content
- Flattens annotations and markup
- Merges transparency layers
- No signup required
- Files deleted immediately after processing
Need to password-protect after flattening? Protect PDF — add a password →
Result file larger than expected? Compress PDF to reduce size →
Need to add a watermark before flattening? Watermark PDF first →
Frequently asked questions
What does flattening a PDF do?
Flattening converts interactive elements (form fields, checkboxes, annotations) into static page content. The PDF looks identical, but the fields can no longer be edited or filled.
How do I flatten a PDF form so the fields can't be changed?
Fill out the form, then upload it here. We bake all field values into the page permanently using Ghostscript. Download the flattened PDF, and no fields remain.
Why would I flatten a PDF?
Fill a form and lock the values before sending. Archive a completed document. Ensure consistent rendering across viewers that handle form fields differently.
Does flattening reduce file size?
Sometimes. Removing the interactive form layer and merging transparency can shrink the file. For further reduction, run it through Compress PDF afterwards.
Is flattening reversible?
No. Interactive elements are permanently merged into the page. Keep a copy of the original if you might need to edit it again.
Do I need to sign up?
No account required. Guests get one flatten per day; free accounts get 10.
Is there a file size limit?
50 MB per file.
Is my file safe?
Your file is processed in memory and deleted the moment your download starts. Nothing is stored.