# PDF Form Flatten Flatten a PDF form: bake field values into static content so the result is non-editable > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/pdf-form-flatten - **Category:** PDF Tools - **Keywords:** pdf, form, flatten, acroform, lock, non-editable, burn ## Overview Burns the current appearance of every AcroForm field into static page content, then removes the editable fields. This is the right tool when a form was filled elsewhere (e.g. in a viewer) and you only want to lock it down — no fill data needed. Pure-JS via pdf-lib. ## Inputs - **PDF File** (file): Upload a PDF form to flatten - **Update Appearances First** (checkbox): Regenerate appearance streams before flattening so values render correctly - **Remove Need Appearances** (checkbox): Clear the NeedAppearances flag so viewers don't regenerate appearances - **Keep Form Structure** (checkbox): Only update appearances but keep the AcroForm shell (rare) ## When to use - When you need to share a completed PDF form and want to prevent recipients from editing or changing the filled-in values. - When preparing PDF documents for archiving or legal submission where form fields must be locked and non-interactive. - When PDF viewers fail to display form field values consistently and you need to burn the text directly into the page layout. ## How it works - Upload your interactive PDF form containing filled AcroForm fields. - Choose whether to regenerate appearance streams first to ensure all values render correctly, and decide if you want to clear the NeedAppearances flag. - Click the process button to convert the interactive form fields into static vector graphics and text elements. - Download the flattened, non-editable PDF file. ## Use cases - Securing signed contracts, invoices, or application forms before sending them to clients or partners. - Standardizing PDF forms for archiving in document management systems that do not support interactive fields. - Fixing rendering issues where filled form data disappears or displays incorrectly in mobile PDF viewers. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does flattening a PDF form mean? Flattening converts interactive form fields (like text boxes, checkboxes, and dropdowns) into static page elements, making the document non-editable. ### Can I edit the form fields again after flattening? No, flattening permanently removes the interactive AcroForm structure, turning the field values into permanent page content. ### Why should I enable 'Update Appearances First'? This option regenerates the visual appearance of the fields before flattening, ensuring that the text you entered is correctly rendered and visible in the final output. ### What is the 'Remove Need Appearances' option? It clears a flag in the PDF that tells PDF viewers to dynamically generate field appearances, preventing different viewers from altering how your static text looks. ### Does this tool require uploading my files to a remote server? 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