Compress PDF makes large documents smaller so they are easy to email and upload. Choose light, balanced or strong compression and see how much space you save. This tool works best on scanned documents and image-heavy files.
Reduce PDF file size for email and uploads
Large PDFs are difficult to send. Email services reject big attachments, and many websites limit uploads to a few megabytes. This tool shrinks your PDF by turning each page into an optimised image, and shows you exactly how much space you saved. It is especially effective for scanned documents and files full of photos.
Why PDFs become so large
A text-only PDF is usually small, because text takes very little space. Size grows when a document contains high-resolution images, scans or embedded photos. A phone scan of a ten page document can easily reach 20 megabytes or more, because each page is stored as a large picture. Compression reduces the resolution and quality of these pictures to a level that still looks good on screen.
Choosing a compression level
- Light. Highest quality. Best when the document must still look sharp, but the saving is smaller.
- Balanced. A good default. Clear text and a noticeable reduction in size.
- Strong. The smallest file. Suitable for quick sharing and strict upload limits, with some loss of detail.
How this tool works
Because the tool runs entirely in your browser, it uses a straightforward method. Each page is drawn into an image at a chosen resolution, saved as a compressed JPG and then placed into a new PDF with the same page size. This often produces a large reduction for scans and photo-heavy files.
Important: what you should know
Because pages become images, the text in the compressed file is no longer selectable or searchable. This is a trade-off for browser-based compression. If your document is mostly text and already small, compression may not help, and the file can even become larger. The tool tells you when this happens, and in that case you should keep your original file. For documents that must stay searchable, consider compressing the images before you create the PDF, using the Compress Image tool.
Privacy
Your PDF never leaves your device. All pages are processed locally, which is important when your document includes identity papers, bank details or contracts.
Tips to get the smallest useful file
- Start with Balanced. If the file is still too large, try Strong.
- Remove pages you do not need first with the Remove PDF Pages tool.
- Scan documents at a moderate setting. Scanning at very high resolution is rarely needed.
- Check the result on screen before sending to confirm it is readable.
Troubleshooting
The new file is bigger. Your original was already efficient. Keep it.
Text looks blurry. Choose Light compression.
It takes a long time. Long documents need time because each page is rendered. Keep the tab open until it finishes.
The file will not open. It may be encrypted. Remove the password first.
Free to use
Select your file, choose a level and download the compressed version. There is no sign-up and no limit.
A real-world example
Faisal has a 15 page scanned file of 38 megabytes, but his email provider allows only 20. He chooses Balanced compression and the tool creates a file of about 6 megabytes. The pages are still easy to read on screen, and the email goes through on the first try. For a different case, a text-only PDF that is already 300 kilobytes would not shrink, and the tool will tell him so.
Checklist before you download
- You compared the new size with your upload or email limit.
- You checked that the pages are still readable.
- You know that text in the compressed file is no longer selectable.
- You kept the original file for any use that needs searchable text.
Related tools
Use Remove PDF Pages to drop unneeded pages first, Merge PDF to combine documents before compressing, and Compress Image if you are still preparing the pictures for a document.
More questions about this tool
Is compression reversible?
No. Compression removes detail permanently in the new file, which is why the tool never changes your original. Always keep the original if you may need full quality later.
What is the best way to compress a PDF that contains text?
Text PDFs are already small. If yours is large, the cause is usually embedded images. Compress those pictures before creating the PDF, and use this tool mainly for scans.
How to use Compress PDF
- Select your PDF file.
- Choose a compression level.
- Click "Compress PDF" and download the smaller file.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the text become an image?
To reduce the size inside the browser, each page is turned into a compressed image. This is ideal for scans, but selectable text will be lost.
What if the file gets bigger?
Files that are already optimised or mostly text can grow. In that case keep your original file.
Is this tool really free?
Yes. All tools on this website are free to use, with no sign-up needed.
Are my files and data safe?
Yes. Everything is processed inside your own browser. Your files and text are not uploaded to our servers.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The tools work on modern phones, tablets and computers.