Make a PDF completely flat

For a completely flat file, turn every page into an image instead. Lock the answers on a filled-in form, a signature or reviewer comments so they cannot be changed. It runs in your browser and is free and private.

How to flatten a PDF

1. Press Choose a PDF, or drop it onto the page.
2. Under How flat, choose to flatten the forms and annotations, or turn every page into an image.
3. If you chose images, set the Resolution (100, 150, 200 or 300 dpi) and the Format: JPEG small, JPEG sharp or PNG.
4. Press Download flat PDF.

What flattening does

Form fields and annotations sit on top of a PDF page as separate, editable layers. Flattening draws them into the page itself, so the answers on a form, a signature stamp or a reviewer's comments can't be changed or deleted, and look the same in every PDF reader and when printed.

Forms and annotations, or images

The first option keeps your pages as real PDF content, so text remains sharp at any zoom and can still be searched and copied. The second option turns each page into an image at the resolution you choose. That makes the file completely flat, with no hidden text or layers left behind, at the cost of a larger file and text that can't be selected.

Choosing the image settings

• 150 dpi is fine for reading on screen and sharing by email.
• 200 to 300 dpi is better for printing or small text.
• JPEG, small gives the smallest file, JPEG, sharp keeps more detail, and PNG is lossless but the largest.

Why flatten a PDF

• Sending a filled-in form so the answers cannot be edited.
• Making a signed document look the same in every reader.
• Fixing a PDF that prints with missing form fields or comments.
• Removing hidden layers or text before sharing, using the image option.

Tips

• Keep an unflattened copy in case you need to change something later.
• Fill in and check the form fully before you flatten it.
• To shrink a big flattened file, use a lower dpi and the small JPEG setting.
• If you only want to change text, use edit PDF before flattening.

Privacy

Your PDF is opened and flattened in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and the file is gone when you close the page.

Questions

Can flattening be undone?

No. Once saved, form fields and annotations are part of the page. Keep your original.

Will the text still be searchable?

Yes with the forms and annotations option, and no with the image option.

Why is the flat file so much bigger?

Each page is now an image. Lower the dpi or choose the small JPEG format to reduce the size.