You filled out a tax form, signed it, and want to send a version where the next person can't change your answers. Form fields stay editable by default — anyone with the file can re-type values.
Flattening turns filled fields into part of the page. The values are visible, but no longer fields. No one can change them without redacting and re-entering.
Why flatten filled forms
A filled form is editable until flattened. The recipient sees your answers but can also change them, strip them, or export your data for their own use.
Flattening locks the answers visually. The fields are gone; the values remain as page content.
Flatten in the editor
Open the filled PDF in Flint's editor and choose Flatten. The form fields become static text on the page. The signature, if present, becomes a static image.
Save the flattened version. Send that instead of the editable form.
Verify nothing's left editable
Open the flattened PDF. Try to click a form field — nothing should highlight or accept input. Try to select the text — it should select as page text, not as a field value.
If any fields are still editable, flatten again or check whether the tool supports partial flattening.
FAQ
Will the recipient know it's been flattened?
Only if they check. Visually it looks identical to an unfilled form with text written in. The form field structure is gone but the appearance is preserved.
Can I unflatten?
No. Keep a copy of the original editable form if you might need to change values later.
What about form data export?
Flattened forms can't have their data exported as CSV. The values are page content, not field values. If you need the data, export before flattening.
Does flattening invalidate digital signatures?
Yes — flattening modifies the PDF, which breaks any existing digital signature. Flatten before signing, not after.
Flattened forms are final forms. Open the filled file in Flint's editor, flatten, and send.