Flatten PDF
Flatten interactive PDF forms and annotations to make them non-editable.
Click or drag files here
Upload a file
Supported formats: PDF
Flatten all interactive elements
đź’ˇ Flattening makes fields non-editable and can reduce file size
Lock Forms & Merge PDF Layers
When you send a fillable form or a document with comments, others can still edit the data. PlatinumPDF Flatten PDF secures your content by merging all layers—text, images, form fields, and annotations—into a single, uneditable layer. It's like 'printing' the document digitally. This is essential for preventing accidental changes or finalizing invoices and contracts before sending them out.
Powerful Features
Lock Form Fields
Convert interactive text boxes, checkboxes, and buttons into non-editable static text.
Merge Annotations
Bake comments, sticky notes, and highlights permanently into the document so they view correctly on all devices.
Fix Printing Issues
Flattening simplifies complex transparency layers, often fixing errors when printing to older printers.
100% Private
Flattening happens locally. Your sensitive contracts never leave your secure browser environment.
Single & Bulk
Flatten a single page or processing the entire document in one go.
Visual Integrity
The document looks exactly the same, but interactive elements are simply turned into standard page graphics.
How to Flatten a PDF
Upload PDF
Drag and drop your file containing forms or layers.
Review
The tool identifies the number of pages.
Flatten
Click 'Flatten PDF'. The process instantly merges all content.
Download
Save the new 'flat' version of your document.
Who Can Benefit? (15+ Use Cases)
Business & Legal
- Contracts: Ensure filled-out values in a contract cannot be changed by the counterparty.
- Invoices: Finalize billable hours and amounts so they are not editable.
- Forms: Prevent users from changing their answers after submitting a form.
Design & Print
- Designers: Flatten transparency effects and layers to ensure the file prints correctly.
- Reviewers: Burn comments and markups into the file so they are visible even in basic viewers.
Real-World Scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I un-flatten the PDF later?
No. Flattening is a permanent process. We recommend keeping a copy of your original editable file just in case you need to make changes later.
Does this protect my content from copying?
It stops easy editing of forms, but the text is usually still selectable. To prevent text selection/copying, you need to convert the PDF pages to Images.
Will it work on password protected files?
You must unlock the file with the password first before we can process and flatten it.