PDF forms are the best way to collect information from users, but they can be annoying to work with. One common problem is that the forms may not be flattened, which means the Form is still editable. In this way, the data entered by users can be stolen or altered. Several PDF editing tools can flatten a PDF form and convert it to a static image. This means the fields of the Form will no longer be editable, and the data filled in by the user will be locked.
Are you looking for an effective method on How to Flatten PDF Forms for free? Here, I'm going to mention some free software that helps you flatten PDF Forms to make them secure while sharing with others.
1. Flatten PDF Forms Using WPS Office
WPS Office is a productive PDF editing software suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet applications, and presentation. It's free software that is an alternative to Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. You can enjoy the premium features and functionalities using WPS Office that may require some money in other software. This software is more effective in flattening PDF forms to make them secure.
Below are the step-by-step instructions on How to Flatten PDF Forms easily.
Step 1: In the WPS Office, click the Open button and select the PDF form you want to flatten.
Step 2: Once the PDF Form is open, Click on the Export PDF icon at the right sidebar and hit the To Picture option.
Step 3: In this way, the Form will export as an image, and the data filled in by the user can't be changed or stolen while shared with others.
2. Flatten PDF Forms Using Sejda PDF Online Tool
Sejda PDF is a Java-based online tool that helps you to edit, merge, split, extract text and images, and convert PDFs to different file formats. This software is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux and is available on desktop and web-based tools. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it usable for non-technical users. Flattening a PDF Form using the Sejda PDF online tool is a straightforward process; you need to upload the Form, and after a few settings, the Form will be flattened.
To flatten a PDF form using Sejda PDF, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Google search bar and search Flatten PDF form using Sejda PDF tool.
Step 2: Inside the Tool, click on the Upload PDF Form to upload the Form you want to flatten.
Step 3: In the next screen, choose the appropriate option and Click on the Flatten PDF option.
Step 4: After some processing, the download button will appear; click on it to download the flattened PDF form.
3. Flatten PDF Forms Using Foxit PDF Online
To flatten PDF forms using Foxit PDF, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Foxit PDF on your computer.
Step 2: Click on File and select Open to open the PDF file that contains the form you want to flatten.
Step 3: Once the file is open, choose the Organize option and click on the “Flatten” button.
Step 4: Select the page range and hit OK
Tips for Flattening PDF Form
Below are a few tips to keep in mind when flattening a PDF form:
👍Before Flattening the Form, ensure the required fields are correctly filled. Once the Form is flattened, you won't be able to edit it again.
👍 It's a good practice to save the original Form before flattening a PDF Form.
👍 Check the digital signature on the Form carefully, as the signature will also be considered valid after flattening.
👍Check the flattened Form to ensure that all the information is legible and none is missing; otherwise, it may cause issues.
FAQs
Can I edit a flattened PDF form?
No, A PDF form cannot be edited or modified once it is flattened.
Why would I want to flatten PDF forms?
There are many reasons why you should flatten the PDF form. The common reason is that the Form can be prevented from editing or tampering.
Can I unflatten PDF forms using WPS Office?
No, you cannot unflatten a form that has been flattened using WPS Office.
Flattening a PDF form is converting a form's interactive elements into a static image. In this way, the elements of the Form will no longer be editable. It's a good practice to save the original file of the Form before flattening it. Once a form is flattened, the data stored in the Form can not be changed or stolen. Various PDF editing software is available to flatten a PDF form, but the one that I know is the WPS Office that perfectly flattens a PDF form.
