Finalize the completed form
Lock names, dates, and selections before sending the finished version to the recipient.
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Flatten forms and annotations in a PDF document. Upload one file up to 256 MB. No registration required.
Technical content edited by Tools.4PDF.Net • Updated September 8, 2026Choose one file · up to 256 MB
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Input files and results expire after one hour.
Learn about this tool
Flatten PDF converts interactive elements into fixed content so that recipients can see the entered data without accidentally modifying the fields. The "Flatten form fields only" option is enabled by default. This mode locks in answers but keeps the rest of the PDF unchanged. If the option is turned off, the tool will process the entire page and allow selection of 150 or 300 DPI resolution.
When processing the entire page, the content is re-rendered according to the chosen resolution, so document characteristics may change. 150 DPI usually results in a lighter file. 300 DPI is suitable for small text or documents that need clear printing, but the file is usually larger. Flattening does not encrypt the file and does not guarantee that content cannot be extracted. Keep a copy with interactive fields for future editing, while the flattened version is for sending or archiving the final version.
Lock names, dates, and selections before sending the finished version to the recipient.
Flatten the form when the recipient's software does not display entered data correctly.
Use full mode at 300 DPI for documents with small details that need to be clearly printed.
Practical tips
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Frequently asked questions
Turn this off when you need a more stable rendering of the entire page, not just the input fields, for example, documents with annotations that display inconsistently. In that case, the interface allows you to choose 150 or 300 DPI. A broader processing approach can make the file large and change the ability to select text, so always keep the original file.
In the resulting file, the field data is fixed to the way the page is displayed, so users can no longer edit fields like a normal interactive form. This is the reason to create a flattened version only when the information has been verified. If there are still review rounds or edits needed, keep an original unflattened version.
150 DPI is suitable for documents mainly read on screens and usually creates lighter files. Choose 300 DPI when printing, with very small text, diagrams, or fine lines. High resolution does not recover details that are not in the original source, so it is recommended to try one version and then check the quality and file size.
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