Overview
Need a smaller PDF for sharing or an upload limit? Compress PDF reduces file size by compressing images. Choose a Compression level, compare the original and output sizes, and inspect the saved PDF before using it. A qualifying on-device guest trial may allow one task without sign-in when available for your device and task. Otherwise, sign in; online processing also requires an internet connection. The tool accepts one .pdf file up to 100 MB per task.
Compress PDF reduces PDF file size by compressing images. The Compression control offers Low, Medium, High, and Maximum, with Medium as the default. Compare the resulting file size and inspect the saved pages to decide whether the copy suits your needs.
When to use
- Use Compress PDF when you want to reduce a PDF’s file size by compressing its images. Compare the result with the size limit you need to meet; a particular reduction or target size is not guaranteed.
- If small text or detailed images matter, keep the original and inspect the compressed copy before sharing. Compression can make small text and images less clear. Pages may also become pictures, which can remove selectable text, text search, clickable links, and fillable fields.
How to use
Open Compress PDF and use its linked workspace. A qualifying on-device guest trial may allow one task without sign-in when available for your device and task. Otherwise, sign in; online processing also requires an internet connection.
Choose one .pdf file, up to 100 MB. If it has password protection, unlock a copy first. Under Compression, start with Medium, the default. Choose Low when fine detail matters more than reducing size. If Medium does not reduce the file enough, consider High. Maximum is the most aggressive setting and may cost more fine detail.
Click Compress. Compare the original and output sizes shown in the result, then open Preview output to inspect the pages. To inspect before downloading, turn off Auto-download before clicking Compress. It is on by default unless you changed the saved setting, and attempts a download five seconds after processing finishes. Click Download and open the saved PDF. Check its size against your limit, zoom in on small text and detailed images, and check any text, links, or fields you need. If details look too soft, start again with the original and a less aggressive level.
Settings reference
| Setting | Options | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | maximum high medium low | medium |
Formats & limits
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Input formats | |
| Output formats |
Access & cost
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| On-device | Guest access |
| Online processing | Sign-in required; Internet connection required |
Examples & use cases
A freelancer preparing an expense submission
Shrink a scanned receipt PDF
A scanned receipt PDF is too large to attach, and its small printed amounts need to remain readable.
.pdf to PDF
- Compression:
- low
- Choose Low under Compression because the receipt’s small print matters more than using a stronger compression level.
- Compare the original and output sizes, then open the saved copy and zoom in on the amounts. Check the file against the submission limit before sending it.
Expected outcome
A compressed PDF copy to compare with the submission limit and inspect for readable receipt details.
A project manager sharing a chart-heavy report
Reduce a PDF with detailed charts
The report is too large to upload, but its fine chart labels and detailed images matter to the people reviewing it.
.pdf to PDF
- Compression:
- medium
- Start with Medium, the default, rather than choosing a more aggressive level before checking the result.
- Compare the original and output sizes, then zoom in on chart labels and detailed images in the saved copy. If details look too soft, restart with the original and choose Low.
Expected outcome
A compressed PDF copy whose file size and chart details can be checked before sharing.
An event organizer preparing a handout for an upload limit
Try High for an image-heavy handout
The image-heavy handout is still too large after a Medium attempt. The organizer can try stronger compression but needs to review the final size and page appearance.
.pdf to PDF
- Compression:
- high
- Choose High if Medium did not reduce the file enough; treat it as another compression attempt, not a guaranteed file-size target.
- Compare the output size with the upload limit and inspect the saved pages, including small text and images. If details look too soft, restart with the original and choose a less aggressive level.
Expected outcome
A PDF copy to check against the upload limit and review for acceptable image and text clarity.
More ways to use it
- A student submitting a text-heavy application form: The PDF needs to be smaller for submission, but the recipient may need searchable text or fillable fields. A compressed copy to compare with the submission limit and inspect for selectable text and working fields. Keep the original if those features are needed. Compression: low.
- A team coordinator sending a multi-page document with links: The file needs to be smaller for sharing, but the recipient needs clickable links and searchable text. A compressed PDF copy to inspect for file size, clickable links, and searchable text before sending. Retain the original if the result becomes image-based. Compression: medium.
Troubleshooting
The output is the same size as the original or is still too large.
Try this: If you started with Medium, try High on the original PDF and compare the sizes shown in the result.
What to expect: The tool returns the original if the new PDF is not smaller. An already compressed PDF may offer little room for reduction without losing image quality. High is another available compression level, but a smaller file is not guaranteed. If the result still misses your limit, consider removing pages you do not need or splitting the document.
Small text or detailed images look too soft in the saved PDF.
Try this: Start again with the original PDF and choose Low.
What to expect: Low is the gentlest available image-compression choice. Inspect the new saved copy to decide whether its text and images suit your needs.
Privacy
Online processing uploads files. Completed results may remain available for later download. See Privacy Policy for current file-handling and retention details. Check the processing mode before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Does my PDF always stay on my device?
Online processing uploads files. Completed results may remain available for later download. See Privacy Policy for current file-handling and retention details. Check the processing mode before starting.
Why is the result the same size as my original?
The tool returns your original if the new PDF is not smaller. An already compressed PDF may offer little room for reduction without losing image quality. Compare the sizes shown in the result; if the file is still too large, try another Compression level, remove pages you do not need, or split the document.
How much can compression reduce my PDF file size?
The tool compresses images, but a particular reduction is not guaranteed. Compare the original and output sizes shown in the result to see what changed for your PDF.
Which PDF compression level should I choose?
Medium is the default starting point. Choose Low when fine detail matters more than reducing size. If Medium does not reduce the file enough, consider High; Maximum is the most aggressive option and may cost more fine detail. Inspect the saved pages before using the result.
Will compression affect text, images, or links in my PDF?
Small text and images may become less clear, and pages can become pictures that lose selectable text, text search, clickable links, or fillable fields. Keep the original and check the saved PDF for any features you need.
Can I compress a PDF to a specific size, such as under 1 MB?
The tool does not guarantee a particular reduction or target size. Choose a Compression level, process the PDF, and compare the result with your limit. If it is still too large, consider removing pages you do not need or splitting the document.
How can I compress a scanned PDF?
Choose a Compression level and inspect the saved pages. If small print or fine detail matters, consider Low, compare the file sizes, and zoom in on the text before using the copy.
Can I compress a password-protected PDF?
Unlock a copy with its current password before compression. The tool accepts one .pdf file per task; keep the original and check the unlocked copy before using it.
Is there a file size limit?
The tool accepts one .pdf file up to 100 MB per task.
Can I compress multiple PDFs at once?
No. The workflow accepts one .pdf file per task, so handle the files one at a time.
What happens to an uploaded PDF after processing?
Online processing uploads files. Completed results may remain available for later download. See Privacy Policy for current file-handling and retention details. Check the processing mode before starting.
Is it safe to upload a confidential PDF?
Online processing uploads files. Completed results may remain available for later download. See Privacy Policy for current file-handling and retention details. Check the processing mode before starting.