Flatten PDF
Write existing AcroForm appearances into page content with explicit limits
About this tool
Flatten PDF writes supported existing AcroForm appearances into page content and removes the interactive field widgets. Vector mode retains text and graphics, while ordinary comments and links remain separate annotations. JPEG mode rebuilds pages as images at the same displayed physical dimensions and is accepted only when no non-form annotations remain; it does not claim to capture every viewer-specific annotation appearance. Missing normal appearances and hidden, rotated, offset or scaled widget appearances are rejected. Existing embedded non-Latin appearances can be kept without regenerating fonts. Flattening is not redaction, digital signing or protection against editing: page content and images can still be changed with suitable software. Keep the original and compare values, page geometry and annotations in an independent reader. Processing stays local, within the stated file, page, pixel and output budgets.
Scenario Recipes
Make a submission copy with fixed form values
Goal: Remove interactive controls while retaining the supported supplied appearances.
- Load a completed AcroForm and choose vector mode when selectable text or comments matter.
- Create the output; if a field appearance is missing or unsupported, repair it in a suitable form editor first.
- Download and compare all visible values and comments in another reader. Preserve the editable original.
Result: A separate PDF with supported fields incorporated into page content.
Failure Clinic (Common Pitfalls)
The output is mistaken for a protected document
Cause: Removing form controls does not prevent content editing.
Fix: Use an appropriate signing or document-control workflow when authenticity is required.
A field value looks blank before export
Cause: The source may lack a normal appearance even though its field value exists.
Fix: Create the correct appearance in a full PDF editor before flattening.
Production Snippets
Vector mode scope
text
Before: 8 fields + Text/Link annotations
After: 0 fields + Text/Link annotations
Form appearances become page content; annotations stay interactive.Frequently Asked Questions
Does vector mode flatten comments and links?
No. It flattens supported AcroForm widgets only. Ordinary Text, Link and other non-form annotations remain annotations, including their interaction.
Why does image mode reject a PDF with comments?
Some annotations need a viewer annotation layer rather than the page Canvas. The tool rejects non-form annotations in image mode instead of claiming their complete appearance was captured. Use vector mode to keep them, or a dedicated PDF editor.
Can a flattened PDF still be edited?
Yes. Form controls are removed, but page content or page images can still be modified with suitable software. Flattening does not redact underlying content or enforce access control.
What happens to Chinese values or missing appearances?
An unchanged embedded Chinese appearance can be retained. A field without a usable normal appearance is rejected instead of being silently rebuilt in a different font. Generate the correct appearance in a suitable editor first.
Why are rotated or hidden widgets unsupported?
Their visibility and appearance transforms need additional handling. This mode accepts normal visible widgets with an identity appearance transform and matching appearance bounds; unsupported cases stop without a partial output.
Which PDFs and sizes are supported?
Use unsigned, unencrypted AcroForm PDFs up to 50 MiB and 200 pages. XFA and all signature fields are rejected. JPEG mode allows 40 pages with 16 million pixels per page and 80 million total; output is at most 80 MiB.
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