Timothe AITools

Flatten PDF

PDF tools

Upload a PDF and flatten its form fields, annotations, and added text into static content. Everything runs in your browser, and your file is never uploaded.

What is this PDF flatten tool?

A free, browser-based tool that flattens a PDF, baking form fields, annotations, and added text into the page so they can no longer be edited. There's nothing to install and no sign-up, and your file never leaves your browser.

How to flatten a PDF

  1. Upload your PDF by dragging it in or clicking the upload area.
  2. Check the page preview to confirm it's the right document.
  3. Press “Flatten & download” to get a flattened copy where form fields and annotations are fixed in place.

Common use cases

  • Finalizing a filled-in form so the entered values can't be changed.
  • Making sure a form looks the same when printed or opened on another device.
  • Distributing applications or signed documents as a fixed, non-editable version.
  • Locking down text, highlights, and drawings added in macOS Preview or another PDF editor so they can't be moved or deleted.

Why use this PDF flatten tool

Works on Windows & Mac

Runs in any modern browser, so it works the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even phones and tablets — no OS-specific app needed.

No install, fully online

There's nothing to download or set up. Open the page and start right away — no software, no plugins, no sign-up.

Safe & private

All processing happens locally in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server, so confidential documents stay on your device.

Fast — no upload wait

Because files don't travel to a server and back, there's no upload or queue. Processing starts instantly and finishes in seconds.

Print-ready quality

The original layout, fonts, and image resolution are preserved, so the result looks right on screen and when printed.

Simple to use

A clean, intuitive interface gets the job done in a few clicks — no manuals and no PDF expertise required.

PDF flatten tool vs. other PDF tools

Most online PDF services — including Adobe Acrobat online, iLovePDF, Smallpdf, and Canva — upload your files to their servers, and many cap free usage or require an account. Desktop software like Adobe InDesign needs a paid install. This tool runs entirely in your browser: your files are never uploaded, there's no sign-up, and it's completely free with no usage limits.

Tool / serviceWhere files are processedFree usageSign-upInstallPlatformsPrice
This toolIn your browser (never uploaded)Completely free, no limitsNot requiredNot requiredWindows / Mac / Linux / mobile (browser)Free
Adobe Acrobat (online)Uploaded to serversSign-in required to keep using; feature limitsRequired for continued useNot required (web)Windows / Mac / iOS / Android≈ $19.99+/mo
iLovePDFUploaded to servers (deleted ≈2h)Size & batch limitsNeeded for some featuresNot required (web)Web / Windows / Mac / iOS / Android≈ $7+/mo
SmallpdfUploaded to servers (deleted ≈1h)2 tasks per dayOften prompted / requiredNot required (web)Web / Windows / iOS / Android (no Mac app)≈ $10+/mo
PDF24 ToolsUploaded to servers (online, ads)Completely freeNot requiredNot required (web)All OS (browser)Free
CanvaCloud processingFree tier (watermarks / asset limits)RequiredNot required (web)Web / Windows / Mac / iOS / Android≈ $15+/mo
Adobe InDesignDesktop (local)No free version (trial only)RequiredRequiredWindows / Mac≈ $22.99+/mo
PDFGearIn your browser (online tool)Free (100MB limit online)Not requiredNot required (web)Web / Windows / Mac / iOS / AndroidFree

Pricing and free-tier limits are approximate and based on publicly available information as of June 2026; check each provider for current details.

Flattening PDFs, tool by tool

Flattening PDFs, tool by tool
ToolFree usageFiles leave your device
This toolCompletely free, no limitsNo — processed in your browser
iLovePDF (free)Size & batch limitsYes — uploaded to servers
Smallpdf (free)2 tasks per dayYes — uploaded to servers
Adobe Acrobat (free)Sign-in required to keep usingYes — uploaded to servers

Related tools

FAQ

Changelog

  • Added flattening of annotations: text, highlights, and drawings added in macOS Preview and other PDF editors are now baked into the page as well.
  • Released.

Operated by

unbounded pioneering inc
Timothe AI

Tools by Timothe AI is a suite of free tools built and operated by unbounded pioneering inc, the company behind Timothe AI.

Ryosuke Suzuki
Ryosuke SuzukiFounder & CEO

Founder & CEO of Unbounded Pioneering Inc., the company behind Timothe AI, and an expert in machine learning and AI product development. He began his career in machine learning research at a university laboratory, then designed and built large-scale products as a software engineer at PLAID, Rakuten, and Recruit, while also driving new business development. Now specializing in generative AI and AI products, he works across both engineering and business development, and is a named inventor on multiple granted patents in web technology.

Named inventor on granted patents JP6887648 & JP7480958 · Patent pending on Timothe AI technology

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