Some PDF files contain interactive form data — such as radio buttons, checkboxes, and text fields — that Xodo Sign cannot process correctly. This can prevent the file from uploading or cause issues during signing.
The fix is to flatten the PDF, which converts interactive elements into static content. The document looks the same, but the original form fields are removed. Signers will only interact with the fields you add in Xodo Sign.
What flattening does
- Form values become fixed and no longer editable
- Dropdown and list fields lock in their currently selected value
- Complex interactive elements are simplified into static content
How to flatten a PDF
- Visit a PDF flattening tool such as Sejda's Flatten PDF tool (free, online).
- Upload your PDF file.
- Download the flattened version.
- Upload the flattened PDF to Xodo Sign.
Note: You can also flatten PDFs using Adobe Acrobat or other PDF editing software.