Flatten PDF
Flatten form fields, annotations and layers by turning every page into an image at the DPI you choose.
Add documents
PDF, DOCX, images, spreadsheets or text files.
Choose a tool
Flatten form fields, annotations and layers by turning every page into an image at the DPI you choose.
Fine-tune
Optional — sensible defaults are already set.
About Flatten PDF
Flatten PDF bakes everything visible on a page, including filled-in form fields, comments, stamps and layers, into a single flat image per page. After flattening, nothing can be edited or toggled, and the document looks the same in every viewer. The trade-off is that text becomes part of the image and can't be selected or searched.
When it helps
- Locking a completed form so the answers can't be changed after you send it
- Making sure annotations and stamps appear when the PDF is printed or opened in basic viewers
- Making a watermark or signature image hard to remove
Tips
- 150 DPI keeps typical documents readable at a reasonable size. Choose 200 to 300 DPI if the pages have small print or fine lines.
- JPEG makes smaller files. PNG is lossless and keeps text edges cleaner, but files are much larger.
- Check the flattened copy before deleting the original, especially for forms filled in apps that may not save how a field's value should be drawn.
Good to know
Quick answers about flatten pdf in your browser.
It merges interactive or layered elements, such as form fields, annotations and optional content, into the page itself, so they're no longer separate, editable objects.
Not with this tool. It flattens by rendering pages to images, which removes the text layer.
Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many files you process.
No. Files are read and processed locally in your browser, so they never leave your device.
Pages are re-drawn as images, so text is no longer selectable or searchable.
Related tools
Part of the More PDF Tools collection.