Compress PDF

Compress PDF Online Free

This free tool reduces the size of your PDF directly in your browser. Your file is never uploaded to a server, so private documents stay on your device. Choose a method, click Compress and download the smaller file. If the result isn't smaller than the original, the tool tells you so and suggests trying the other method.

Which method should I choose?

• Light: keeps your text, links and selectable content. Savings are usually small, but nothing about the document changes.
• Strong: turns each page into an image to cut the size much further. The text is no longer selectable or searchable. Pick Low (150 dpi), Medium (110 dpi) or High compression (72 dpi).

Compress PDF for Portal Upload Requirements

Many government, university and company portals set a maximum file size, often between 1 MB and 5 MB, and reject anything larger. Start with the Light method and check the new size. If it is still above the limit, switch to Strong with Medium compression and test again. Keep the original file, because some portals also ask for readable or searchable text, and Strong compression removes it. Always check the portal's rules before choosing a method.

How to Shrink PDF File Size to Send via Email

Email providers commonly limit attachments to about 20-25 MB, and some recipients' servers allow less. To shrink a PDF for email, upload it here, try Light first and use Strong only if the file is still too big. Medium compression is a good balance between size and readability for reports, invoices and presentations. If you have several documents, compress each one separately, or merge them into one file with the Merge PDF tool before compressing.

Compress Resume PDF for Online Job Application

Application systems often accept only small files, and many scan resumes for keywords. Because Strong compression turns text into an image, use the Light method for resumes whenever possible so recruiters and tracking systems can still read the text. If you must use Strong, use a Low compression level so the text stays sharp, and check the result before applying. Resumes made from a text editor are usually small already, so a large file often means embedded images or fonts that can be removed at the source.

Reduce Scanned Document PDF Size for Online Submission

Scanned PDFs are large because each page is a full photograph of the paper. These are the files where the Strong method works best, since the pages are images already. Try Medium (110 dpi) for ID cards, certificates and signed forms. Choose Low (150 dpi) when small print or stamps must stay clear, and High (72 dpi) only when the file size matters more than sharpness. Open the result and zoom in to confirm that every name, number and signature is readable before submitting.

Compress High Resolution PDF for Printing

Printing needs more detail than a screen does, so be careful with compression. At 72 dpi, text and images can look soft on paper. For documents that will be printed, use the Light method, or Strong with Low compression (150 dpi) at most. For very large print files, such as posters, keep the original for the printer and compress only a copy for sharing or review.

Tips for better results

• Always keep a copy of the original file.
• Compress once. Compressing an already compressed file again lowers the quality without saving much space.
• Check the output by zooming in on small text before sending.
• If the file is still too large, split it into parts with the Split PDF tool.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free and private? Yes. All processing happens in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

Why did the tool say the result is not smaller? Some PDFs are already well optimized. Try the Strong method, or a higher compression level.

Will my text still be selectable? Only with the Light method. Strong converts pages to images.

How much smaller will my PDF get? It depends on the file. Scanned and image-heavy PDFs shrink a lot, while text-only PDFs shrink very little.