Flatten a PDF: make edits permanent
Turn annotations and filled form fields into fixed page content. Two switches, annotations, form fields, and what you see becomes what everyone gets.
Drop your PDF here to start
to use Flatten PDF (free, no account)
Files stay private: PDFs and images are edited in your browser.
Choose what to flatten
Two independent switches: flatten annotations (highlights, drawings, notes) and flatten form fields (filled values), separately or together.
Truly permanent
Flattening paints content into the page and removes the interactive layer. It is irreversible by design, that is exactly the point.
Runs in your browser
The MuPDF engine bakes each layer locally on your device. Sensitive signed contracts are never uploaded for processing.
Two switches, one permanent page
Annotations and form values stop being an editable layer and become part of the page itself.
Before: an editable layer
A highlight, a note and a filled field are objects. Whoever opens the file can move them, restyle them, or strip them out entirely.
Choose what gets baked
The two switches are independent, so you can freeze the form answers and still leave your markups editable.
This is irreversible.
After: nothing left to click
Flattening paints the content into the page and removes the interactive layer. It is irreversible, which is the whole point: flatten the copy you send out, keep the editable original for yourself.
Why flatten before you send
An annotated or filled PDF still carries an editable layer: the recipient can move your highlights, change your form answers, or strip your markups. Flattening removes that layer, the content becomes part of the page itself.
It also guarantees consistent rendering. Some viewers display form fields and annotations differently; a flattened page looks identical everywhere.
The right moment in the workflow
Flatten last. Fill the form, add the annotations, collect the signature, then flatten the copy you send out, and keep the editable original for yourself.
Done in three steps
Upload your PDF
Drop the file above, it is read locally in your browser, never uploaded to a server.
Use the tool
The editor opens with the right tool selected. Make your changes in a couple of clicks.
Download the result
Save the finished PDF straight to your device. No account, no watermark, no wait.
Frequently asked questions
It paints annotations and form field values directly into the page and removes the interactive layer, so they can no longer be edited or moved.
Yes. Annotations and form fields have separate switches, so you can flatten either one independently.
No, and that is the point. Keep your editable original and flatten a copy for distribution.