Flatten
Make form fields un-editable.
How to Use Flatten
- Upload your file: Drag and drop your file into the active processing area above, or click the box to browse your device files.
- Configure settings: Select your preferred options (such as target file size in KB, compression level, page order, or output format).
- Process locally: Click the primary action button. Your file is rendered and encoded in seconds directly inside your browser memory.
- Download output: Click Download to save the modified document back to your device. No watermarks are added.
Zero-Cloud Privacy Guarantee
Unlike legacy web utilities that upload your sensitive documents to remote servers, PDFtiny executes 100% of processing inside your local browser using WebAssembly. Your files never leave your computer, ensuring complete privacy, enterprise compliance, and offline availability.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processing Engine | Client-Side WebAssembly (WASM) & HTML5 File API |
| Server Transmission | 0 Bytes Uploaded (100% Local Browser Memory) |
| Device Compatibility | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Compliance | ISO 32000-2:2020, GDPR Article 25 (Privacy by Design) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does flattening a PDF actually do?
Flattening merges all interactive form fields, annotations, checkboxes, and typed text permanently into the static page canvas of the PDF. After flattening, the form data becomes part of the visible page and can no longer be edited or deleted.
Why do government portals require flattened PDFs?
Flattened PDFs are tamper-proof — recipients cannot change the entered form data. Many government submission portals, courts, and financial institutions require flattened forms to ensure document integrity.
Will flattening reduce the PDF file size?
Typically yes, because interactive form data structures are removed. The reduction is usually modest (5–20%) unless the form contains many complex interactive elements.
Can I un-flatten a PDF and edit it again?
No. Flattening is a permanent, one-way operation. Once flattened, the form data is merged into the page and cannot be separated. Always keep a backup copy of the editable form before flattening.