Compress PDF

What does Compress PDF do?

Compress PDF makes a PDF file smaller so it is easier to e-mail or upload. It works by turning each page into a compressed image at the quality level you choose and rebuilding the PDF from those images. This gives large savings on scanned documents and image-heavy PDFs. If the result would not be smaller than your original, the tool tells you and does not download it.

How to use Compress PDF

1. Choose the PDF you want to make smaller.
2. Select a compression level. Recommended is a good balance; Strong gives the smallest file with lower image quality.
3. Press Compress PDF and wait for the progress bar. The smaller file downloads automatically and the size saving is shown.

When is it useful?

• Getting a scanned document under the size limit of an online form or e-mail.
• Reducing the size of photo-heavy brochures and presentations exported as PDF.
• Saving storage space when archiving scanned paperwork.

Example

A 9.4 MB scanned 6-page letter compressed at the Recommended level typically becomes around 1-2 MB. The exact result depends on how much detail the pages contain.

Good to know

• Everything happens in your browser, so your PDF is never uploaded to our server. Very large files (hundreds of pages) can take a while on older phones.
• Because pages are turned into images, text in the compressed PDF can no longer be selected, searched or copied, and links stop working. Keep your original if you need those.
• PDFs that contain mostly text are usually already small; for them the original may be the better choice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Compress PDF free?

Yes. You can use it as often as you like without creating an account.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Compress PDF works entirely in your web browser. Your files are read and processed on your own device and are never sent to our server, so nothing is stored.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no fixed limit, but very large files need more memory. If a big file is slow on your phone, try it on a computer.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It runs in any modern browser on a phone, tablet or computer - there is nothing to install.