What does flattening a PDF do?

Flattening merges interactive form fields, annotations, and highlights into the static page content, making them non-editable. The PDF looks the same but can no longer be modified.

Why would I flatten a PDF?

To lock submitted forms, prevent recipients from editing filled data, ensure consistent rendering in all PDF viewers, or prepare documents for printing.

Is the flattened PDF still searchable?

Yes — text from form fields is preserved as regular text in the PDF, so it remains searchable and selectable.

Does this work on digitally signed PDFs?

Yes. Flattening locks the appearance of signatures into the page. Note that the cryptographic signature validity may be affected.

Flatten PDF

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Flatten PDF — Remove Form Fields & Annotations

Convert interactive PDF forms and annotations into static, non-editable content. Flatten before sharing to prevent editing. 100% private — no upload.

Form Fields → Static Text

Signatures Locked

No Upload

What does flattening do?

Converts fillable form fields into plain, non-editable text
Merges annotations, highlights, and comments into the page content
Locks digital signatures so they cannot be removed
Makes the PDF display consistently in all viewers
Prevents recipients from modifying submitted form data

Drop your PDF form here

Fillable forms, annotated PDFs, signed documents

Select PDF

100% Private

Instant

Your files never leave your device

Max file size: 100MB

Need this in a production workflow?

Move from one-off browser work to larger files, background jobs, API automation, and PDF audio when the document flow grows.

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Built for larger private PDFs

Up to 150 MB

No upload

Firewall friendly

Most cloud PDF tools need uploads, accounts, or free-tier caps for large files. ExactPDF processes files locally in your browser, supports PDFs up to 150 MB on this tool surface, and never adds a watermark or daily quota.

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