What does flattening do?

It bakes form field values, annotations, and signatures into the page content as static graphics. The form becomes a regular non-editable PDF.

Why would I flatten a PDF?

To prevent further changes (signing then locking), to make sure the PDF renders identically in old viewers, or to reduce file size.

Will it shrink the file?

Often yes, modestly. Form field metadata is removed. The biggest savings come from also running Compress PDF afterwards.

Yes. Flattening happens entirely in your browser.

Flatten PDF, Free

Flatten form fields and annotations into the page content. Makes the PDF look identical but unable to be edited further. Browser-only.

Drop your files

or click to browse from your computer

Up to 100 MBFiles stay in your browser

How to flatten pdf

Three steps. Start to finish in under a minute.

Drop your PDF

Upload the file with form fields or annotations.

Flatten

Click Flatten. Form fields become static graphics; annotations are baked in.

Download

Save the flattened PDF. The original stays editable.

Why LovedPDF

Why use LovedPDF for flatten pdf

Locks the document

Form fields can no longer be changed, useful after signing.

Maximum compatibility

Old PDF viewers that struggle with form fields can render flattened PDFs perfectly.

Browser-only

Sensitive signed documents stay on your device.

Frequently asked questions

Sign PDF, Free

Sign a PDF for free, in your browser

Compress PDF

Reduce PDF file size

Edit PDF Metadata

Set or strip PDF metadata

Merge PDF

Combine PDFs into one file