Compress PDF
Shrink PDF size while keeping text sharp and selectable.
Drop a file here, or click to browse
Real structural compression in your browser — text and vectors stay selectable. Use “Scanned PDF” only for image-only scans.
About the Compress PDF Tool
Compressing reduces a PDF's file size so it is easier to email, upload or store. Many websites and govt portals reject files over a certain size, and scanned documents in particular can be surprisingly heavy. This tool shrinks the file by optimising its contents, helping you meet upload limits without deleting any pages.
How to compress a PDF
- Open the PDF you want to make smaller.
- Choose a compression level if options are offered.
- Start the compression process.
- Compare the new file size with the original.
- Download the smaller PDF.
This is essential when an application form caps uploads at a few hundred KB, or when you want to attach a heavy scanned report to an email. The compression happens entirely inside your web browser, so your document is never uploaded to a server, and your private file stays on your own device throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PDF compressor free and safe?
Yes, it is free with no sign-up or watermarks. Compression runs in your browser, so your file is never uploaded and remains safe.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on the file's contents, but scanned and image-heavy PDFs usually shrink the most. Documents that are mostly plain text are already small, so they compress less.
Will compressing reduce the quality of my document?
Stronger compression of image-based PDFs can slightly soften images to save space, while text stays sharp. You can usually pick a level that balances size and clarity.
Can I compress files on my phone without software?
Yes, no software is needed and it works in a web browser on mobile and desktop. Very large files depend on your device's memory.