Flatten PDF

Flatten forms and annotations into a more fixed PDF copy

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Save a More Fixed PDF Copy

Flatten PDF helps when a document has form fields, comments, stamps or annotations that should be locked into the visible page. The result is a fresh copy that is easier to share, submit or print without editable layers moving around in another PDF reader.

Common Reasons to Flatten

People flatten PDFs after filling forms, adding comments, placing stamps or preparing files for systems that do not handle interactive fields well. It is also useful when a document looks correct on your computer but changes when opened somewhere else.

Check Before Sending

Flattening is meant to make a finished copy. Review the output because form fields may no longer be editable afterward.

How to Flatten PDF

1

Upload your PDF

Choose a PDF with forms, comments or annotations.

2

Flatten the file

PDFem rewrites the document into a more fixed PDF copy.

3

Download and review

Open the flattened file and check that the visible values look right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flattening turns editable layers such as form fields and annotations into a more fixed PDF copy so they are less likely to move or change in another viewer.
Most common forms and annotations can be flattened, but complex PDFs may behave differently depending on how they were created.
Usually no. The point of flattening is to save a copy where filled values and annotations are fixed into the document.
Flatten a PDF before submitting forms, sending annotated documents, printing files or sharing a copy that should look the same for the receiver.