Skip to content

Compress PDF

Reduce the size of a PDF for email or uploads: the text stays sharp and only the images are reduced.

5 files per day per IP across all free tools. A subscription is required beyond that. Resets at 00:00 UTC.

Drop your file here

or

Up to 100 MB per file

Files uploaded for processing expire after 24 hours. Online drafts expire after the last save: 24 hours without an account, 48 hours with an account. Expired data is then deleted by automatic cleanup.

What this tool does

Make a PDF lighter to email it or upload it to a portal. Choose a compression level, an image resolution, grayscale or a target size to reach.

What is kept

  • Text stays sharp and selectable: only images are reduced
  • The number and order of pages

Good to know

  • A PDF that is mostly text shrinks little: it is already light
  • An already optimised document may barely change; the resulting size is shown

Tips

  • For a scan, 150 dpi stays readable on screen and in print
  • Grayscale strongly reduces the size of colour scans

How to use Compress PDF

  1. 1

    Upload your file

    Drag and drop your document or choose it from your device.

  2. 2

    Make your changes

    Use the tools to adjust your document. The preview updates instantly.

  3. 3

    Download

    Export your finished document in one click.

Frequently asked questions

How much smaller will it get?

It depends on the images in the document. Scans and photo-heavy PDFs shrink a lot; text PDFs little. The final size is measured and shown before you download.

Does compression damage the text?

No. Text and vector graphics are not turned into images; only embedded images are recompressed.

Is Compress PDF free?

5 files per day per IP across all free tools. A subscription is required beyond that. Resets at 00:00 UTC.

Is Compress PDF secure?

Transfers use TLS encryption. Files uploaded for processing expire after 24 hours. Online drafts expire after the last save: 24 hours without an account, 48 hours with an account. Expired data is then deleted by automatic cleanup.

Do I need to install anything?

No. Compress PDF works in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

How do I cancel?

You can cancel at any time from your dashboard in two clicks. You keep access until the end of the paid period.

Related guides

Related tools

PDF tools →