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Toolshed

Flatten PDF

Flatten PDF form fields, comments and annotations into the page so nobody can edit them. Free, private and done right in your browser.

  • No uploads
  • No limits
  • No signup

Drop a PDF to flatten

or click to browse · paste works too

Input:
PDF
Output:
Flattened PDF
Runs on:
Your device
Size limit:
None
Account:
Not needed

How to use Flatten PDF

  1. Add your PDF

    Drop in a filled-in form or a commented PDF. It's read in your browser, never uploaded.

  2. Choose what to flatten

    The tool counts the form fields and annotations; keep both boxes ticked or flatten just one kind.

  3. Flatten and download

    Press “Flatten PDF” and save the copy: everything looks the same but can't be edited anymore.

Why Flatten PDF on Toolshed

  • No uploads

    Everything runs in this browser tab. Your files never leave your device.

  • No limits

    No file-size caps, no daily quotas. Process as much as your device can handle.

  • No signup

    No account, no email, no watermark.

Frequently asked questions

What does flattening a PDF do?

It draws form fields and annotations into the page itself. The filled-in values, ticks, highlights and stamps look exactly the same, but nobody can change, fill in or delete them, which is what you want before sending a completed form.

Are links and every annotation flattened?

Links stay clickable and are not flattened. Annotations are flattened using the look stored in the file; the rare ones without a stored look are counted and left as they are. Unusually built forms can fail to flatten; you'll get a clear message if so.

Is my form uploaded anywhere?

No. Forms often hold personal details, so everything runs in your browser on your device and the file never leaves it.

Are my files uploaded anywhere?

No. Flatten PDF runs entirely in your browser. Your files are processed on your device and are never sent to a server.

Is there a file size limit?

No fixed limit. The only limit is your device's memory. Very large files work best in a desktop browser.

Is Flatten PDF really free?

Yes. There's no account and no watermark. A short optional ad, or a 20-second wait, unlocks each download. That's how we keep it free.