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Flatten PDF

Render every page so comments, highlights and form values become permanent content.

Drop your file here

Nothing is uploaded — your file is processed on this device.

Options for Flatten PDF

Higher numbers look sharper and create larger files.

Flattening renders each page, so everything visible becomes part of the page and text is no longer selectable. Use Flatten PDF Form if you only need to lock form fields losslessly.

How to flatten pdf

  1. 1Upload the PDF.
  2. 2Choose the output resolution.
  3. 3Flatten and download the fixed version.

About this tool

Annotations, highlights, stamps and layers are separate objects sitting above the page, and different readers treat them differently: some hide them, some print them, some drop them when the file is converted. Flattening removes that uncertainty by rendering everything into the page itself.

This is also the reliable way to close a document. After flattening, comments cannot be deleted, form values cannot be altered, and hidden layers cannot be switched back on — what you see is the entire content of the file. That makes it a good final step before archiving or sending a document you consider complete.

What it's good for

  • Fixing a reviewed document so comments cannot be removed.
  • Preparing an annotated file for a print shop.
  • Archiving a document in a state that renders identically everywhere.
  • Closing off a filled form and its annotations together.

Features

  • Everything merged

    Annotations, stamps, highlights and field values become page content.

  • Consistent rendering

    The file looks the same in every reader and printer.

  • Resolution control

    Pick 150 DPI for reading or 300 DPI for print.

  • Local

    No uploads, no storage.

Questions people ask

Will the file get bigger?
It can, because pages become images. Follow with Compress PDF if size matters.
Can I flatten only form fields?
Yes — Flatten PDF Form does that losslessly and keeps the text selectable.
Is it reversible?
No. Keep the original if you may need the annotations back.

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