Flatten PDF forms and comments into the page
PDFCheetah's free Flatten PDF tool draws a PDF's form fields and comments into the page in your browser — so they can no longer be changed — and your file never leaves your device.
Updated
Choose a PDF file to flatten
One file · up to 80 MB · PDF bytes are checked on this device
Processed on this device
Selecting and processing files stays in this browser.
Checking offline readiness
Offline availability is confirmed after this tool loads.
Why there is no daily limit, and no upload
How to flatten a PDF
- Open the PDF with the filled-in form, comments or markup.
- Choose whether to flatten form fields, comments, or both — and whether links go.
- Select Create flattened PDF, then Download.
What flattening does
A filled form, a highlight or a sticky note is a layer on top of the page that any PDF editor can change or delete. Flattening draws each one into the page itself, exactly as it looks, and removes the editable layer — so the answers on a signed form, or the comments on a reviewed draft, read the same for everyone who opens the file. It all happens in this browser tab: nothing is uploaded.
Scripts and attachments are removed
JavaScript, actions that run when the file opens and files attached inside the PDF are taken out of every flattened file, as they are from everything PDFCheetah writes.
Current limitations
A field or comment is drawn the way the file says it looks; one the file gives no appearance to has nothing to draw and is removed. Flattening does not make hidden text in the page itself go away — use a redaction tool for that. Digital signatures stop being valid once a file is changed. Password-protected PDFs cannot be opened here yet: use Unlock PDF first if you know the password.
Common questions
- Is my PDF uploaded to flatten it?
- No. The PDF is flattened in your browser and the new file is written on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
- What does flattening a PDF do?
- It draws filled form fields, comments, highlights and stamps into the page itself, exactly as they look, and removes the layer that let anyone edit or delete them. The page looks the same; the answers and marks can no longer be changed.
- Can I flatten only the form, or only the comments?
- Yes. Choose form fields, comments and markup, or both, and whether links are removed too. Links are kept unless you choose otherwise.
- Does flattening remove scripts and attachments?
- Yes. JavaScript, actions that run when the file opens and files attached inside the PDF are removed from every flattened file.
- Will a digital signature still be valid?
- No. A certificate signature only holds while the file is unchanged, and flattening changes it. Flatten before signing, not after.