# Can I flatten a PDF on Windows, Mac and Linux?

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/answers/cross-platform-flatten-pdf_

Yes. Arthize runs in the browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android — plus optional desktop apps — so you can flatten a PDF on any device. Flattening a PDF merges form fields, annotations and layers into the page, so nobody can change filled-in values and the file renders everywhere.

## Answer

Yes. Arthize runs in the browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android — plus optional desktop apps — so you can flatten a PDF on any device. Flattening a PDF merges form fields, annotations and layers into the page, so nobody can change filled-in values and the file renders everywhere.

## More about flatten pdf

Flattening bakes form fields and annotations into the page so they can't be changed.

It fixes forms that display differently in different viewers.

A flattened PDF is the safe way to share a completed form.

## How to flatten a PDF

1. **Open the flatten tool** — Sign in and open the Flatten tool.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload a form or annotated document.
3. **Flatten** — Arthize bakes fields and annotations into the page content.
4. **Download** — Get a flattened, tamper-resistant PDF.

## FAQ

### How do I flatten a PDF form?

Flattening a PDF merges form fields, annotations and layers into the page, so nobody can change filled-in values and the file renders everywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Why do my filled form fields disappear in some viewers?

Flattening a PDF merges form fields, annotations and layers into the page, so nobody can change filled-in values and the file renders everywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Is flattening a PDF free?

Flattening a PDF merges form fields, annotations and layers into the page, so nobody can change filled-in values and the file renders everywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.