How to use the compress pdf
- Choose a compression level.
- Drop your PDF into the box and wait while each page is optimized.
- Check the new size and download the compressed PDF.
How this compression works
Large PDFs are usually big because of images and scans. This tool re-renders each page as an optimized picture at the quality you choose, which can shrink scanned documents by 70-90%. Because the pages become images, the text can no longer be selected or searched. For documents that are mostly text, the file may not get smaller, and the tool tells you so.
Tips
- Use Recommended first. Choose Extreme if you still need a smaller file.
- Keep a copy of the original for editing and copying text.
- For limits like 2 MB or 5 MB, try Extreme on scanned files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reduce the size of a PDF?
Drop the PDF, choose a compression level and download the smaller file.
Will the text still be selectable?
No. Pages are converted to images to shrink the file. Keep your original if you need to copy text.
Why did my PDF not get smaller?
PDFs that are mostly text are already small. Page images can make them bigger, so the tool warns you and you can keep the original.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Compression happens in your browser.