Flatten PDF
Lock filled form fields so the values can no longer be changed.
🔒 Your files never leave your deviceHow to use
- Add your filled PDF form
- Choose what to do with comments and highlights
- Download the flattened PDF
About this tool
After you fill a PDF form, anyone who opens it can still click the boxes and change what you typed. Flattening draws every field, tick mark and dropdown choice onto the page itself, so the form looks the same everywhere and cannot be edited. This is useful before you submit an application, email a filled form or print it.
You can also make comments and highlights permanent, or remove them before sharing. Your file is processed inside your browser and never leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
Will my typed values stay?
Yes. Everything you typed, ticked or selected stays exactly where it was. Only the clickable boxes are removed, so the values cannot be changed.
Can I undo flattening?
No. Keep your original file if you may need to edit the form again later.
Why does my PDF ask for a password?
Password protected PDFs cannot be flattened. Remove the password with PDF Unlock first, then flatten.
My form shows “Please wait” or has no fields. Why?
Some government forms are XFA forms made with Adobe LiveCycle, which only Adobe Reader can fill. Fill it in Adobe Reader and use Print to save it as a PDF instead.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Flatten PDF runs inside your browser, so your document never leaves your phone or computer. Close the tab and nothing is kept.
Is Flatten PDF free?
Yes. You can use it free without creating an account. Premium removes file-size and batch limits for heavy users.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. It works in Chrome, Safari and every modern browser on Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. You can also install Pixel Path PDF as an app from your browser menu.