Flatten PDF
When you send a filled-in PDF form, the recipient can still change the fields. "Flatten forms" bakes your entries into the page; "Flatten everything" turns each page into an image so forms, comments and text cannot be edited.
How to Flatten PDF
- Drop or choose your PDF.
- Choose "Flatten forms" or "Flatten everything".
- Click "Flatten PDF" and download the new PDF.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference?
Flatten forms only bakes in form fields; text stays selectable and searchable. Flatten everything converts pages to images, so nothing can be selected or edited, but the file gets a little bigger.
It says there are no form fields.
If the PDF has no fillable fields, there is nothing to flatten. To lock comments and signatures as well, choose "Flatten everything".
Is this password protection?
No. Flattening locks the content but does not stop anyone opening the file. To require a password, use {tool:protect}.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser.
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