Flatten PDF

Merge form fields, comments, stamps and drawings into the page so they can no longer be edited. Text stays sharp and selectable.

Reviewed by Dany, RightSums team · Updated

Runs in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.

pdf-optimize · PDF tool · UK & US

The tool first counts the form fields and annotations in your PDF, then offers four modes: forms and annotations, form fields only, annotations only, or Everything (rasterise). The first three draw each field or annotation's saved appearance into the page content and remove the interactive layer, so text and graphics stay vector and links stay clickable. Answers in any language are handled with a Unicode font, and hidden annotations are removed rather than drawn. Annotations that have no stored appearance cannot be drawn in these modes and are reported. Everything (rasterise) renders each page as a 200 DPI image exactly as seen on screen, which catches anything left but makes text unselectable. Processing runs in your browser.

Accepted inputs

  • PDF

Outputs

  • PDF (flattened)

How to use the Flatten PDF

  1. Drop your PDF into the box and the tool counts its form fields and annotations.
  2. Choose Forms + annotations, Form fields only, Annotations only or Everything (rasterise).
  3. Click Flatten PDF and read the note showing what was flattened.
  4. Download the flattened PDF, keeping your original if you may need to edit it again.

Frequently asked questions

How do I flatten a filled PDF form?

Load the completed form, choose Form fields only or Forms + annotations, and click Flatten PDF. Your answers are drawn into the page and the fields are removed, so the values can no longer be changed.

What is the difference between flattening and rasterising?

Flattening draws fields and comments into the page but keeps text and graphics as vectors, so text stays selectable. Rasterising turns the whole page into an image. The Everything mode here rasterises at 200 DPI.

Why were some annotations not flattened?

Some annotations have no stored appearance for the tool to draw, so they are left in place and counted in the note. Run the file again with Everything (rasterise) to capture them exactly as they look on screen.

Can a flattened PDF be edited again?

Not as a form. The values become ordinary page content, so they cannot be changed in form fields or deleted as comments. Keep the unflattened file if you might need to make corrections.

Why do some portals ask for a flattened PDF?

Flattened files look the same in every viewer and cannot be altered after submission. Some upload systems also fail to read or display interactive form fields, so flattening avoids blank answers.

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