How to Remove Form from PDF: A Complete Guide

Why Remove Form Fields from a PDF?

There are several compelling reasons why you might need to remove fillable form fields from a PDF. Understanding these reasons can help you determine the best approach for managing your documents.

A. Security Concerns

Fillable forms can present security vulnerabilities if not handled properly. After a user submits a form, the data within the fillable fields can sometimes be manipulated. This poses a risk, especially when sensitive information is involved, as malicious actors could potentially alter the submitted data for nefarious purposes.

B. Printing Issues

Fillable forms can sometimes cause issues when printing PDFs. The alignment of text within the fields may not render correctly on paper. The data entered might be partially cut off or misaligned. This can be frustrating if you need a hard copy of the form data for archival or record-keeping purposes.

C. Simplifying the Document

Removing form fields can significantly simplify a PDF document, creating a static and easier-to-read file. A simplified document eliminates interactive elements that might distract the reader. It allows the user to focus solely on the content. This is especially beneficial when the form-filling stage is complete and the data is no longer actively being modified.

D. Preventing Unintentional Editing

Removing form fields also ensures that recipients cannot accidentally alter the data within the form. This prevents unintentional modifications or accidental data corruption. This is crucial when sharing finalized documents for review or archival purposes. It helps to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the information.

Understanding the Difference: Flattening vs. Removing Form Fields

It's important to distinguish between flattening a PDF and completely removing its form fields. Each approach serves a different purpose and yields a different result.

A. Flattening

Flattening a PDF merges all layers of the document into a single, static layer. The data entered into the fillable fields remains visible. However, the fields themselves become uneditable. Flattening is preferred when it's crucial to preserve the visual representation of the data for printing or future reference, while preventing further modifications. Consider https://breezepdf.com/blog/acrobat-make-pdf-editable for understanding PDF editability in general.

B. Removing

Removing form fields completely eliminates the interactive elements from the PDF. This process permanently deletes the form fields and their associated properties. Removing form fields is ideal when you need to completely sanitize the document, reduce file size, or ensure that no interactive elements remain. This is useful for archival or distribution when interactive features are no longer required.

Methods to Remove Forms from PDFs

Several methods are available to remove form fields from PDFs, each with its own advantages and limitations.

A. Using BreezyPDF (Recommended)

BreezyPDF is the recommended solution for removing form fields due to its user-friendliness and efficiency. It offers a seamless experience directly within your browser, ensuring your documents never leave your device. With BreezyPDF, you can be sure your files stay 100% private. Plus, there is no sign-up required to use it!

1. Open the PDF in BreezyPDF.
2. Select the appropriate "Remove Forms" feature (currently, removing specific elements one by one is supported, giving you precise control).
3. Use the tools (letter icon for typing, scribble for signing, image icon for adding images, lock for password protection, plus for merging, red x for deleting pages and compress for compressing) to modify or remove elements. For removing form elements you can "cover" them up using the letter icon to add a filled rectangle of white color over them.
4. Save the modified PDF.

BreezyPDF empowers you to manage every element to be deleted.

B. Printing to PDF (Free Method)

"Printing to PDF" is a free method that essentially creates a flattened copy of your PDF. This process converts the interactive form fields into static text and graphics. While the form fields become uneditable, they are flattened instead of removed.

1. Open the PDF in your browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.).
2. Select Print.
3. Choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" (or similar virtual printer).
4. Save the PDF.

Limitations include the flattening of form fields instead of removing them, and the potential for formatting issues during the printing process. Learn how to password protect or encrypt PDFs via https://breezepdf.com/blog/password-protect-pdf-adobe.

C. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (Paid Method)

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is an industry-standard PDF editor that offers robust features, but it comes with a subscription cost.

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat DC.
2. Go to the "Prepare Form" tool.
3. Select/delete the form fields.
4. Save the PDF.

If underlines or other artifacts remain, you may need to use the redaction tool to remove them. Also, note that this method requires a paid subscription.

D. Other Online PDF Editors

Several other online PDF editors, such as pdfFiller or AvePDF, can also be used to remove form fields. The general steps involve uploading your PDF, selecting the form elements to remove, and downloading the modified file. However, caution is advised when using unknown online tools due to potential security risks. Always check the tool's privacy policy and ensure it is reputable before uploading any sensitive documents.

1. Upload your PDF
2. Remove elements
3. Download the modified file

E. Setting Fields to "Read Only"

In some PDF applications, you can set existing form fields to "Read Only" using the PDF properties. While this prevents users from modifying the fields, it does not remove them. Users can still “tab through” the read-only fields, which can be cumbersome. Therefore, it is best to remove the fields completely using the other methods mentioned above.

Dealing with Residual Elements (Underlines, Borders, etc.)

After removing form fields, you may encounter residual elements such as underlines or borders. Addressing these artifacts can ensure a clean and professional-looking document.

• Using the "Redaction" tool in Acrobat Pro (if applicable).
• Using the "Sanitize Document" function (if applicable).
• Using BreezyPDF’s tools to manually remove or cover the artifacts (highlight this feature and how easy it is compared to Adobe). With BreezyPDF, it is super easy to cover these elements up with the typing tool to make solid white rectangles over these artifacts.

Best Practices & Considerations

Before removing form fields from a PDF, consider these best practices to ensure a smooth and successful process.

A. Password-Protected PDFs

Ensure the PDF is not password-protected or restricted from editing. If the PDF is protected, you'll need to remove the password or restrictions before proceeding with any modifications. BreezyPDF can remove password protection, see: https://breezepdf.com/blog/remove-password-from-pdf-online.

B. Choosing the Right Method

Reiterate when to flatten vs. remove form fields. Flattening preserves the visual data but makes it uneditable, while removing form fields permanently deletes the interactive elements.

C. File Backups

Always create a backup copy of the original PDF before making changes. This ensures that you have a copy of the original file in case something goes wrong during the removal process.

Conclusion

Removing form fields from PDFs is essential for security, simplification, and preventing unintentional edits. Several methods are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. BreezyPDF offers a user-friendly and efficient solution. It gives you control over the elements to be deleted, ensuring your documents are handled securely and precisely. Try BreezyPDF today for removing form fields and other PDF editing tasks.