Flatten a PDF so filled-in forms, comments and signatures become part of the page and can't be changed.
Need to fill in the form first? Use Fill PDF form. To stop others opening it, add a password.
It makes the PDF look the same everywhere and stops it being changed easily. Filled-in form fields become ordinary text on the page, so the answers can't be edited and print correctly in every app.
“Form fields only” keeps the text sharp and searchable, and suits filled-in forms you're sending back. “Everything, as pictures” also bakes in comments, stamps, highlights and signatures, and makes text impossible to edit or copy; the file is usually bigger.
Some phone apps and printers don't show form fields properly. Flattening turns the answers into page content, so they always show.
No. The PDF is flattened in your browser.
