GrovePDF
← All tools

Flatten a PDF, free

Make filled-in forms, comments, stamps and drawings a fixed part of the page, so they look the same everywhere and can't be changed — useful before sending or printing.

  1. 1Choose file
  2. 2Set options
  3. 3Download

Drop your PDF here

PDF → flattened PDF · up to 100 MB

Choose file You can also paste a file or screenshot with Ctrl+V.

    AI assistant

    Add a PDF above to ask questions about it, summarise it or give it a better name.

    Flatten PDF in 3 easy steps

    1. Choose your file (PDF → flattened PDF): drop it on this page or click “Choose file”.
    2. Check the options (smart suggestions can set them for you), then click “Flatten PDF”.
    3. Download the result. Everything runs in your browser, so your files are never uploaded.

    Why use GrovePDF

    • Free, with no signup, no watermark and no daily limit.
    • Private: your files are processed on your device, never on a server.
    • AI built in: smart suggestions and an assistant that answers questions about your PDF.
    • Works on any device with a modern browser, in nearly 110 languages.

    Updated · GrovePDF team

    What flattening means

    Form fields, comments, highlights, stamps and drawings normally sit on top of a PDF page. They can be edited, moved or hidden, and some apps or printers don't show them at all. Flattening draws them into the page itself, exactly as they look now.

    Two ways to flatten

    • Forms and comments (recommended): fields, comments and stamps become part of the page. Text stays selectable and searchable, and links keep working.
    • Whole pages as images: each page becomes a picture. Nothing can be selected, copied or edited. Use it when the document must not be changed, and keep in mind that the text is no longer searchable.

    When to flatten

    • Before sending a filled-in form, so your answers can't be changed and show everywhere.
    • Before printing, when comments or stamps don't appear on paper.
    • Before uploading to a portal that rejects interactive forms.

    Fill the form first with PDF Forms and sign it with Sign PDF. Flattening isn't redaction: to remove information, use Redact PDF.

    Flatten PDF: questions and answers

    What does flattening do?

    Form fields, comments, highlights and stamps normally sit on top of the page and can be edited, moved or hidden. Flattening draws them into the page itself, exactly as they look now.

    Will the text still be selectable?

    With “Forms and comments”, yes: only the interactive parts change. “Whole pages as images” turns each page into a picture, so nothing can be selected or edited.

    Do links still work?

    Yes, with “Forms and comments” links keep working. Pages turned into images have no links.

    Can I undo flattening?

    No: the answers become ordinary page content. Keep your original file if you might need to edit it.

    Is the PDF uploaded?

    No. It's flattened in your browser.

    Guide: PDF security: protect, unlock and redact