How to Flatten a PDF — Merge Annotations & Forms Free | PDF AI Work Blog
PDF AI Work Team·
Flattening a PDF merges all annotations, form fields, layers, and markup into the base document — making them permanent and uneditable. Use the Flatten PDF tool before sharing or archiving.
When to Flatten
- Before submitting a filled form — prevents form fields from being changed
- After signing — locks the signature into the document
- For archiving — ensures annotations are permanently preserved
- To reduce file complexity — removes interactive elements
- Open Flatten PDF
- Upload your PDF
- Click Flatten and download the baked-in version
Related: Protect PDF for encryption, Sign PDF before flattening, Fill Forms for interactive forms.
Free, client-side. Flatten your PDF now.