Security
Flatten PDFso it cannot be copied or changed
Turn every page into a picture, so nothing can be selected, copied or edited.
- Free during beta
- No sign-up
- 25 MB per file
Guest session. Files automatically expire after 60 minutes.
In short
EnDocs AI flattens a PDF by turning every page into a picture. The text can no longer be selected, copied or searched, and form fields, comments and hidden data are gone. If you want to keep the text selectable, ask for forms-only flattening instead.
Last updated
What it is
What is Flatten PDF?
A PDF can hold things that are still changeable: form fields someone can retype in, comments and highlights, text that can be copied, and hidden data. Flattening replaces each page with a picture of how it looks, so only what you see stays.
It is a common last step before sending a filled-in form, a signed contract or a confidential file, so the content cannot be altered or copied out.
Try saying
“Flatten this PDF.”
How to use it
Flatten PDF in 3 steps
- 1
Upload your PDF
Drop your file in the box above or choose it from your device. No account is needed.
- 2
Ask for it
Say "flatten this PDF". If you want the text to stay selectable, say "flatten it but keep the text selectable".
- 3
Download the result
Your flattened PDF is ready. Download it, or keep working on it in the same workspace.
Behind the scenes
How your file is processed
- 01
Every page becomes a picture
Each page is drawn at 150 DPI (up to 300 on request) with its form fields and comments, and replaced by that picture. Text, hidden text, layers, links and the form data underneath are gone.
- 02
Text stays selectable only if you ask
In forms-only mode, form fields, comments, highlights and stamps are drawn into the page as ordinary content and the text stays selectable and searchable.
- 03
Your original stays as it was
The flattened PDF is a new file. Locked PDFs ask for the password first.
Your file stays yours
60 min
Files are deleted automatically about 60 minutes after upload, when your guest session ends.
[PERSON_1]
Names, numbers, emails and addresses are swapped for placeholders before text reaches an AI model, then restored in the reply.
0 accounts
No account is created. Your guest session is the only thing that identifies your files.
At a glance
Flatten PDF facts
- Input
- One PDF
- Output
- One flattened PDF
- Default
- Pages become pictures: no text to select or copy
- On request
- Forms and comments only, text stays selectable
- File size
- Up to 25 MB per PDF
- Account
- Not needed, guest session
- Price
- Free during the beta
- Files kept for
- About 60 minutes, then deleted
Who uses it
When Flatten PDF helps
AFilled-in forms
Send an application or a tax form that the recipient cannot retype in.
BSigned contracts
Keep signatures and stamps fixed to the page they were placed on.
CConfidential files
Stop text from being copied or searched, and remove hidden text and data.
DReviewed drafts
Make the highlights and comments of a review permanent before you share it.
Tips
Tips for better results
- 01
Flatten after the form is filled in and signed. A flattened form cannot be filled in again.
- 02
The result is bigger and cannot be searched. Keep the original if you may need the text.
- 03
For a password as well, protect the flattened file with Protect PDF.
FAQ
Flatten PDF: common questions
It turns every page into a picture. Form fields, comments and highlights are fixed in place, and the text can no longer be selected or copied.
Keep going
Related PDF tools
Ready to use Flatten PDF?Start with your file.
Upload a PDF and EnDocs AI will take it from there. You can also summarize it or ask it questions in the same workspace.
Free during the beta. Files are removed after 60 minutes.