Compress PDF

Make a PDF smaller: tidy its structure and, if you like, reduce image resolution.

Files are processed on this device and never uploaded.

Drag a file here, or choose one from your device.

Guide

About Compress PDF

Compress PDF makes a file smaller for email, upload forms and slow connections. Choose how far to go: Lossless only tidies the file's structure and changes nothing you can see, while Light, Balanced and Strong also reduce the resolution of large images.

If compression would not make the file smaller, you get the original back rather than a bigger copy.

Use it to reduce PDF file size, shrink a PDF for email, make a PDF smaller for an upload form, or optimise a scanned PDF.

How to use it

  1. Choose the PDF.
  2. Pick a level: Lossless, Light (images above 220 dpi reduced), Balanced (images at 150 dpi) or Strong (96 dpi, smallest).
  3. Press Compress and compare the new size with the original.
  4. Download the compressed copy.

Good to know

  • PDFs made mostly of text are often already small. Most of the saving comes from photos and scans.
  • Balanced is a good default: sharp on screen and fine for most printing. Use Strong only for files that will be viewed on screen.
  • Black-and-white scans of line art are already stored efficiently and are left as they are.

Questions and answers

How much smaller will my PDF get?

It depends on what is inside. Files full of high-resolution photos or scans can shrink a lot; text-only files change little.

Will compression reduce quality?

Lossless does not change anything visible. Light, Balanced and Strong lower the resolution of large images, increasingly, while text stays sharp.

Why is my compressed file the same size?

If no setting could make it smaller, the original is returned rather than a larger file. Try a stronger level if the PDF contains images.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no upload limit, because nothing is uploaded. Very large files depend on your device's memory.