Flatten a PDF
Filled-in forms, comments, highlights and drawn signatures become part of the page: they look the same in any program and can no longer be changed with a click.
Select PDF files
or drag one or more PDFs with forms or comments here
This PDF has a digital signature. Flattening it invalidates the signature: the document changes and no longer matches what was signed.
This PDF uses an XFA form. Only what is drawn on the pages is fixed; if the form is dynamic, the result may not look complete.
No fields or annotations were found. You can still flatten it, but the result will be practically the same.
Flattening does not protect the document: the text is still text and can be copied, and the PDF can still be edited with other programs. To prevent changes, also use "Protect PDF".
How to use it
In a PDF, form fields and comments are items that float over the page: they can be changed, hidden or look different depending on the program. Flattening draws them into the page, just like the rest of the content.
Choose one or more PDFs with forms or comments.
Choose what to flatten: forms, annotations or both, and whether links are kept.
Download the flattened PDF (or a ZIP if there were several).
What is flattening a PDF useful for?
Locking filled forms to prevent tampering
Converts interactive form fields into fixed non-editable text for legal certainty.
Ensuring signatures and annotations print correctly
Converts comments, stamps, and signatures into an integral part of the PDF page.
Compatibility with older PDF viewers and mobile devices
Prevents display glitches on devices that do not support interactive layers.
Submitting paperwork to court and public registries
Ensures the document is received and printed exactly as originally prepared.
Why use JapalTools?
Your files never leave your device
Everything happens in your browser. Documents are never uploaded to any server, so you can use it with payslips, contracts or ID documents.
Free, no sign-up and no watermarks
You don't need an account or to leave your email, and nothing is added to the result.
Works on any device
Computer, tablet or phone, with an up-to-date browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari). Nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Not completely. It stops fields from being filled in again and comments from being moved or deleted with a click, but it is neither a signature nor a protection: the text is still text and the PDF can be edited with other programs. If you need to prevent changes, protect it with a password or sign it digitally after flattening.
A digital signature stops being valid when you flatten, because the document changes; the tool warns you if the PDF is signed. It is best to flatten first and sign afterwards. Links are kept and keep working unless you untick "Keep links".
No. Flattening happens in your own browser and the PDFs are not sent to JapalTools or anyone else, so you can use it with forms that contain personal data.
No. The document is processed in your own browser and is not sent to JapalTools or anyone else. When you close the page, no copy remains outside your device.