# Flatten PDF for hr teams

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/hr-teams/flatten-pdf_

Arthize lets HR and people teams flatten a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Flattening a PDF merges form fields, annotations and layers into the page, so nobody can change filled-in values and the file renders everywhere.

## Why hr teams flatten a PDF

For a new hire, HR merges the contract, handbook and benefits summary into one onboarding pack, sends it for e-signature, and redacts personal data before filing the copy — inside a private workspace.

**Built for offer letters.** Whether it's offer letters, contracts, policy documents, Arthize's flatten pdf keeps the work inside your private workspace. HR handles salaries, ID scans and personal data. Those files must be processed privately and never retained by an outside tool.

## What matters when you flatten a 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 hr teams flatten a PDF for 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 the file is deleted after the job — which is why HR and people teams can use it for offer letters without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to flatten a PDF sensitive offer letters?

Yes. HR handles salaries, ID scans and personal data. Those files must be processed privately and never retained by an outside tool. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### 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.