PDFolio
Merge PDFCombine PDF files in any order.OrganizeSplit PDFCreate a PDF from the page range you choose.OrganizeOrganize PDFReorder pages with a simple page sequence.OrganizeRotate PDFRotate selected pages by 90 degrees.OrganizeDelete pagesRemove pages from a local PDF.OrganizeExtract pagesSave selected pages as a new PDF.OrganizeAlternate & Mix PDFInterleave pages from two or more PDFs for front-and-back scans.OrganizeSplit PDF in HalfSlice double-page book spreads vertically or horizontally into single pages.OrganizeSplit PDF by SizeDivide a large PDF into parts that each stay under a maximum file size.OrganizeSplit PDF by TextStart a new PDF file wherever a specific keyword or phrase appears.OrganizeSplit PDF by BookmarksSplit a PDF at its outline bookmarks so each chapter becomes its own file.OrganizeMultiple Pages Per SheetPrint 2, 4, 6, 9, or 16 PDF pages onto a single A4 or Letter sheet.OrganizeCompare PDFsCompare two PDFs side by side and highlight page-by-page text differences.OrganizeWorkflow BuilderChain multiple PDF operations in one go.OrganizeCompress PDFReduce PDF file size locally with adaptive optimization.OptimizeRepair PDFRecover pages and rebuild corrupted xref structures from damaged PDFs locally.OptimizeOCR PDFExtract and inspect text streams from scanned or multi-page PDFs locally.OptimizeScan to PDFEnhance document photos with crisp black-and-white or color contrast into a PDF.OptimizeWatermark PDFStamp text across every page.EditPage numbersAdd page numbers to every page.EditBates NumberingStamp sequential legal and archival Bates numbers with custom prefix and padding.EditHeader and footerAdd a short header and footer to every page.EditCrop PDFTrim the same edge margin from every page.EditResize PDFResize pages, choose paper sizes, or add margins.EditFlip PDFMirror PDF pages horizontally or vertically for iron-on transfers and reversed scans.EditInvert PDF ColorsConvert PDF pages permanently to dark mode, sepia, or grayscale.EditSignature markAdd a visible signature, initials, or form text to selected PDF pages.EditFill PDF FormFill interactive AcroForm text fields and checkboxes locally and lock answers.EditClean Signature & ThumbmarkRemove paper background from a photographed signature or thumbprint into a transparent PNG.EditAnnotate PDFAdd a highlight, box, or note to every page.EditImages to PDFTurn JPG and PNG images into one PDF.ConvertPDF to imagesExport local PDF pages as PNG images.ConvertPDF to ZIPBundle selected PDF pages as images in one ZIP file.ConvertPDF to HTMLExport a PDF text layer as a private HTML page.ConvertPDF to EPUBCreate a reflowable EPUB from a PDF text layer.ConvertPDF to WordExport selectable PDF text into an editable Word (.docx) document locally.ConvertPDF to CSV & ExcelExtract tabular rows and columns from PDF pages into a clean CSV spreadsheet.ConvertMarkdown to PDFConvert Markdown (.md) files or pasted notes into a cleanly typeset vector PDF.ConvertCSV to PDFConvert CSV spreadsheets into formatted, paginated PDF tables locally.ConvertHTML to PDFConvert HTML files or markup into a clean, readable PDF document locally.ConvertPDF to AudioListen to any PDF read aloud in your browser and export a clean narration script.ConvertPDF to HandwritingConvert PDF text or notes into realistic handwriting on ruled or grid notebook pages.ConvertExtract textRead text from a local PDF.ConvertExtract ImagesSave all embedded images from a PDF in their original format.ConvertProtect PDFEncrypt a PDF with an opening password.ProtectUnlock PDFRemove a PDF password you know, locally.ProtectEdit MetadataChange or remove PDF author, title, and other metadata.ProtectPrivacy Risk ScannerAudit a PDF for hidden metadata, form fields, and PII patterns, and strip metadata clean.ProtectAuto-Redact PIIAutomatically detect and permanently blackout emails, phones, IDs, and custom terms.ProtectFingerprint PDFGenerate SHA-256/SHA-512 integrity hashes and optional recipient canary tags.ProtectFlatten PDFLock interactive forms and annotations so they cannot be edited.ProtectRedact PDFPermanently blackout sensitive information in your PDF.Protect
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Protect

Flatten PDF

Lock interactive forms and annotations so they cannot be edited. Runs on this device

Add your files

Your documents are held only in your active browser tab.

PDF files only

Choose a local file to begin.

No upload queue

Your documents are held only in your active browser tab.

No account

There is no sign-in, batch quota, or server file store.

Clear when done

Use the clear control to release task data immediately.

Guide

How to use Flatten PDF

Merge interactive elements like forms and annotations into the base PDF layer.
InputOne PDF with forms or annotations.
OutputOne flattened PDF.
PrivacyProcessed only in this browser tab.

About flatten PDF

Merge interactive elements like forms and annotations into the base PDF layer. Lock a filled application form or signed document so the recipient cannot alter your responses.

Flattening applies to interactive form fields only. AcroForm widgets are converted into ordinary page content, so their values become part of the page and can no longer be edited, selected, or reset. It does not flatten transparency groups, it does not merge optional content layers, and it does not convert annotation objects such as comments, stamps, or sticky notes into page content. It also does not rasterise anything, so text remains text. A PDF containing no form fields is returned looking exactly as it went in.

How PDFolio helps you flatten PDF

PDFolio converts interactive form fields into static text and shapes directly onto the page canvas, securely in your browser.

If the aim is a document that genuinely cannot be edited or extracted, flattening is not enough, because all the underlying text is still present and selectable; PDF to Images rasterises the pages, at the cost of losing the text layer entirely. If you want to fill a field and lock it in one pass, Fill & Sign does both.

Before you download

Once flattened, screen readers may interact differently with the content, and forms cannot be unfilled.

When the result is ready, download it immediately and open it in your usual PDF viewer to make a final check. You can then use Clear task data to release temporary file references from this browser tab. PDFolio does not create an account, cloud folder, or server-side document history.

A private way to flatten PDF

PDFolio handles the selected files in the active browser tab. A Web Worker on your device performs the PDF task so the interface can remain responsive; document bytes are not sent to a PDF processing server, upload queue, account database, or advertising platform.

Steps

  1. Add a PDF.
  2. Click process to flatten.
  3. Download the locked copy.

Good to know: Flattening is permanent. Keep the original if you need to edit it later.

Frequently asked questions

Can I un-flatten a PDF?

No. The process is irreversible on the output file. Keep your original if you need it.

Does this reduce file size?

Sometimes, depending on the complexity of the forms removed.

Does flatten PDF change my original file?

No. PDFolio creates a new file for download. Your source file remains unchanged on your device.

Related tools

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