Flatten PDF
Before submitting, flatten the file so filled values, notes, highlights and “Approved” stamps become part of the page: nobody can change them and every reader shows the same thing.
Add files to start
Drag and drop files here, or
Files are processed right on your device.
Flatten PDF
Processed on your device — the file is not uploaded. Pages are not turned into images: text stays selectable and searchable.
Flattening cannot be undone. Keep the original if you still need to edit the fields or annotations.
How to use
- Add a filled or annotated PDF.
- Review what can be flattened: form fields and each kind of note, annotation and stamp. Untick what you want to keep editable.
- Click “Flatten”: items are drawn onto the page and the new file is reopened to check none of the selected items remain.
- Download the file, or continue with another tool (compress, protect…).
Current limits
- Flattening cannot be undone — keep the original if you still need to edit.
- Annotations without an appearance (rare) are kept and reported.
- Digitally signed files: the signature is no longer valid on the new file.
- Dynamic XFA forms: only the accompanying AcroForm fields are flattened.
Frequently asked questions
What does flattening a PDF mean?
It turns things that float above the page — form fields, notes, highlights, stamps — into fixed page content. Filled values can no longer be changed and the file looks the same in every app.
Why does accented text in form fields look broken on another computer?
Many form-filling apps do not save how a field looks and ask the reader to redraw it with a local font, which often lacks accented characters. The tool redraws those fields with a Vietnamese-capable font before flattening.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Flattening runs in your browser on your device.
Is page text turned into images?
No. The page keeps its text; fields and annotations are added to the page as text and vector drawings.