What it does. Turns the fillable fields of a PDF form into plain page content, or turns every page into a picture so nothing can be edited.
How to flatten a PDF
- Drop your PDF onto the box.
- Choose Flatten form fields (keep text) or Flatten everything (pages become images).
- For the everything option, pick the quality (Standard 150, Good 200 or High 300 DPI) and JPEG or PNG.
- Press Flatten PDF and download the result.
Tips for better results
- Use the form fields option after filling a form, so the answers stay readable and searchable.
- Use the everything option when you want a copy that cannot be edited or selected.
- Pick 150 DPI for screen use and 300 DPI for printing.
Limits to know about
- The everything option makes the text unselectable and often makes the file larger. Run OCR PDF afterwards if you need searchable text.
- Flattening breaks a digital signature, so flatten before signing, not after.
- Password protected PDFs must be unlocked first.
- Tested with generated sample PDFs. Check the result on your own file.
Privacy
Your file never leaves your device. It is processed inside your browser, and nothing is uploaded to our servers. The PDF libraries load from a public code network (cdnjs).
Frequently asked questions
Is Flatten PDF free?
Yes, with no sign-up and no limit.
What does flattening a PDF mean?
The editable parts, such as form fields, become part of the page itself. They can no longer be changed.
Will the text stay selectable?
With the form fields option, yes. With the everything option, no, because pages become pictures.
Why did my file get bigger?
Pictures of pages are larger than text. Try 150 DPI and JPG to keep the size down.
Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser.
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About this tool: free, no sign-up, works on phone and desktop. Last reviewed: November 2026.