Flatten PDF Form Fields
Drag & Drop PDF here
or click to select files
Flatten Settings
Converts form widgets into standard page content.
Batch Processing (Multiple Files)
▾Upload multiple PDFs to flatten them all with current settings.
About PDF Flattening
Flattening a PDF is the process of converting interactive elements—specifically form fields, dropdowns, checkboxes, and radio buttons—into static document content. When you flatten a PDF, the data entered into form fields becomes a permanent part of the page layer. This is essential for preventing further changes to the data, ensuring the document prints correctly across all devices, and preparing documents for archiving or legal submission. If you want to convert the final document to an image, try our PDF to JPG converter.
Our tool runs entirely in your browser using advanced JavaScript libraries. This means your sensitive documents are never uploaded to a remote server, ensuring maximum privacy and security while delivering fast results.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Upload your PDF: Drag and drop your file into the designated area or use the "Choose PDF" button.
- Review the Preview: Use the navigation buttons to check your document. The summary bar will tell you how many form fields were detected. Ensure your document is readable with our Dark Mode PDF Viewer if needed.
- Configure Settings: Choose whether to flatten the entire document or specific pages. You can define ranges like "1-3, 5".
- Flatten: Click the "Flatten PDF" button. The tool will process the document locally.
- Verify & Download: Use the "Compare" feature to slide between the original and flattened versions to ensure accuracy, then click "Download Flattened PDF".
Is my data secure?
Yes, absolutely. This tool operates on a client-side model, meaning the actual processing logic runs within your web browser. Your PDF files are not sent to our servers for flattening, which guarantees that your sensitive data remains on your device.
Can I un-flatten a PDF later?
Generally, no. Flattening is a destructive process in terms of data structure; it merges the interactive layer with the background content layer. Need to extract data instead of locking it? Use Extract Text from PDF. While you can edit the text with advanced PDF editors later, the original form fields and their specific interactive properties are permanently removed.
Does this tool support batch processing?
Yes. You can use the "Batch Processing" section at the bottom of the tool to upload multiple PDF files simultaneously. The tool will apply your selected settings to all files and provide a ZIP archive containing all the flattened documents. If the resulting file is too large, consider Compressing Images inside PDF.
What if I need to convert images first?
If you are working with scanned forms as images, you can use our JPG/PNG to PDF converter to create a PDF document first, and then use this tool to ensure no interactive elements remain.