> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.apryse.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.apryse.com/android/annotation/flatten-annotation.md).

# Flatten PDF annotations in Android

Learn how to flatten annotations in a PDF document with this comprehensive guide. Discover the benefits and process of annotation flattening for interactive forms. The Apryse Android SDK streamlines s

To flatten annotations in a PDF document.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Java" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}

```java
PDFDoc doc = new PDFDoc(filename);

// flatten all annotations
doc.flattenAnnotations();
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Kotlin" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}

```kotlin
val doc = PDFDoc(filename)

// flatten all annotations
doc.flattenAnnotations()
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

[PDF interactive forms (AcroForms)](/android/get-started/samples.md#interactiveforms) Full sample code which illustrates some basic PDFNet capabilities related to interactive forms (also known as AcroForms) and annotation flattening.

## About annotation flattening

Annotation or [form flattening](/android/forms/flatten.md) refers to the operation that changes annotations (such as markup, widgets, 3D models, etc.) into a static area that is part of the PDF document, just like the other text and images in the document.

Using the `Annotation.Flatten(page)`, it is possible to merge individual annotations with the page content. Apryse SDK also allows you to flatten all forms in the document in a single function call, with `PDFDoc.FlattenAnnotations()`.

Widget annotations share a relationship with forms because the display of a form field is a widget annotation. The process of flattening annotations therefore can flatten forms as well. By flattening and merging existing annotation appearances with page content, the original annotations are deleted from the PDF pages.

Note that it is not possible to undo the flatten operation. An alternative approach to annotation or form flattening is to set the annotation to `e_read_only`. The `e_read_only` flag on the annotation enables this modification.


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