Flatten PDF form fields
Bake supported AcroForm appearances into page content so ordinary form controls are no longer editable.
- 1Add input
- 2Review and run
- 3Get your result
Tool input and files are processed in this browser without being uploaded.
Before you start
Bake supported AcroForm appearances into page content so ordinary form controls are no longer editable. Select a PDF with AcroForm fields and keep an editable original.
How to use this tool
- Select a PDF with AcroForm fields and keep an editable original.
- Flatten field appearances into page content and download the result.
- Check visible text, checkboxes, page count and removed form controls in a reader. Flattening is not redaction, encryption or signature validation.
Supported inputs and limits
One unencrypted PDF, up to 30 MiB and 300 pages. XFA and detected digital signatures are rejected. Flattening does not remove comments, attachments or hidden data.
Files stay in the browser. Keep the editable original and inspect every page of the output. PDFs with no AcroForm fields produce no form changes.
Worked example
Example input
One-page AcroForm PDF with name=Ada and approved=checked
Example options
{}Example output
One-page PDF with Ada and the checked box visible; zero editable fields or widget annotations.
When something does not work
For XFA or signed PDFs, use a workflow that preserves the required form or signature. Keep the editable original and inspect the downloaded PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Can a flattened form still be filled in?
The supported AcroForm fields become page artwork and are removed as editable controls. Keep the original if you need to edit them again.
What should the example produce?
A filled form with name Ada and a checked approval box should retain both visible values, one page and zero editable fields.
Which cases are outside its scope?
XFA and detected digital signatures are rejected. Other comments, attachments and hidden data are not removed.