Choose a compression level for your PDF
Less compression keeps more image detail, Medium compression balances detail and file size, and High compression uses smaller page images. Start with Medium, then compare the downloaded result with your original. A PDF that is already compact may not become smaller.
All three levels render each page into a JPEG image and build a new image-only PDF. This removes searchable text, links, editable fields, layers and interactive features. Use the compressed copy only when an image-only document is suitable. Keep the original if selectable text, forms or original document characteristics are required.
- Choose a valid PDF and inspect its page count and original size.
- Select Less, Medium or High compression.
- Optionally enter a maximum file size in the Custom size (KB) box.
- Read the actual before/after sizes and any unmet-target message. Inspect every output page, then download and reopen the copy.
Less starts at up to 180 DPI, Medium at up to 144 DPI, and High at up to 96 DPI. Rendering is also bounded by page dimensions and browser memory limits. These settings are starting points, not a guarantee of quality or a fixed reduction percentage.
Size targets and documents that need extra care
The optional custom size uses 1,024 bytes per KB. The tool makes up to three attempts, reducing image resolution and quality when needed. It can return a file above your requested maximum; the status explicitly identifies that result. A size target cannot establish that small text is readable. Prefer a larger allowance when the destination permits it.
If the candidate is larger than the original, the tool offers the original rather than labeling the larger file a reduction. Digital signature fields, password-protected files and dynamic XFA forms are not supported. Keep signed originals and follow the issuing service’s process. A typed or pictured signature is different from a cryptographic PDF signature; compression can still change its visual quality.
This tool processes up to 50 pages and 50 MB to keep work practical in a browser. A complex file can still exceed a device’s memory or rendering capacity. Cancel if needed and keep the source. For photos that have not yet been assembled, use Image to PDF to choose dimensions and quality before making the document.
Privacy and limits
Selected files are read and processed locally in your browser. They are not sent to our servers by these tools. The workspace is temporary; refreshing, closing the tab or clearing files removes the current work. Website delivery and optional analytics are separate and explained in the Privacy Policy. Download anything you want to keep before changing a privacy choice that reloads the page.
Common questions
Can every PDF be made smaller?
No. A PDF that is already optimized may show little or no reduction. The tool reports actual size and offers the original when the candidate is larger. It does not promise an exact size or percentage saving.
Will my compressed PDF keep selectable text and forms?
No. All three compression levels rebuild every page as a JPEG image. Searchable text, links, editable form fields, layers and other interactive features are removed. Quality can decrease. Use the compressed copy only when an image-only PDF is suitable. If no smaller copy is produced, the download contains your unchanged original.
Can I reduce a signed or password-protected PDF?
Password-protected PDFs and PDFs with digital signature fields are not supported. Modifying a signed document can invalidate its signature. Keep and use the original or follow the issuing service’s process.
Will a target such as 500 KB always be reached?
No. The tool makes a bounded number of attempts and reports whether the actual output meets your target. Check page readability as well as size; a very small target can remain unmet.
Guidance prepared with AI assistance and checked against these tool implementations. Content standards · Report an issue
PDF processing uses PDF-LIB and Mozilla PDF.js. Open-source notices