Flatten a PDF

Lock in form fields and annotations so a PDF can no longer be edited.

Accepts PDFOutputs PDFUp to 1 fileNo sign-up required

Drag a file here, or click to browseSupports PDF · up to 1 file · 50MB per file

How it works

1. Upload your file

Drag and drop or choose a PDF file from your device. Everything is checked against its real file type before processing starts.

2. We process it

Your file runs through an isolated job dedicated to Flatten PDF, with clear progress so you always know what stage it's at.

3. Download the result

Get your finished PDF file with one click. The original upload and the result are deleted automatically afterward.

What is Flatten PDF?

Flatten PDF locks a PDF so that form fields, annotations and interactive elements can no longer be edited. It rebuilds each page as a fixed image, which guarantees nothing interactive remains.

Common uses

Finalising filled forms. Make a completed form non-editable before sending.
Locking annotations. Burn comments and highlights into the page.
Consistent printing. Avoid form fields displaying differently across viewers.
Stopping edits. Distribute a version that cannot be altered field by field.

Flatten PDF at a glance
Input	One PDF
Output	PDF of fixed page images
Result	No fields, annotations or interactive layer
Trade-off	Text is no longer selectable or searchable
Size limit	50 MB per file
Sign-up	Not required

Tips for best results

Flattening makes text non-selectable; run OCR PDF afterwards if you need search.
Keep an unflattened original for future edits.
File size may increase because pages become images.
For password protection instead, use Protect PDF.

Guides for this tool

How to flatten a PDF (lock form fields and annotations)

Your file stays private

Flatten PDF runs in an isolated processing job. Your upload and the generated result are deleted automatically after your download window ends — we don't keep copies, and download links are random, single-purpose, and expire.

Frequently asked questions

What does flattening a PDF do?

It converts the page into a fixed image so form fields and annotations are permanently baked in.

Will I still be able to select text?

No. Pages become images, so text is not selectable. Run OCR PDF if you need it searchable again.

Why did the file get bigger?

Each page is rebuilt as an image, which is often larger than the original text-based page.

Can it be undone?

Not in the flattened copy. Keep your original.

Is it free?

Yes, free with no sign-up.

Do I need to sign up to use Flatten PDF?

No — this tool works without creating an account. There is no sign-up option at all right now.

What file types does Flatten PDF accept?

Flatten PDF accepts PDF files and produces a PDF result, up to 1 file per job.

Will my formatting or content be preserved?

Only the specific change you make is applied — everything else on the page stays exactly as it was in your original file.

What happens to my file afterward?

Your file is processed in an isolated job and deleted automatically, along with the result, once your download window ends.