Low
Try this when fine detail matters more than reducing file size. Compare small text and images with the original.
PDF Free online tool
Compress PDF
Reduce PDF file size for email attachments and online forms. Choose a compression level to balance file size and image detail, then check your PDF before sharing.
PDF · Up to 100 MB
- Free, no sign-up
- Encrypted transfer
- Files deleted after 2 hours
How to compress your PDF
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Choose your PDF
Upload one PDF of up to 100 MB. If it is password-protected, unlock a copy you are allowed to edit first.
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Select a level
Choose Low, Recommended, High or Maximum, then select Compress PDF.
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Download and check
Save the PDF, compare its size with your upload limit and open it to inspect the pages that matter.
Choose how much to compress
Start with Recommended. If the result is still too large, try a higher level using your original PDF.
Recommended Start here
A practical first attempt for everyday sharing. Check the downloaded file against your size limit.
High
Try this if Recommended leaves the file too large. Look closely at scanned text, diagrams and photos.
Maximum
Try this when file size is the main constraint. Keep the result only if the details you need remain readable.
A higher level may reduce image detail. No level guarantees an exact file size or an identical-looking result.
Check readability after compression
What PDF compression changes
PDF compression aims to reduce file size by storing its contents more efficiently. Images can be recompressed or reduced in resolution; other file data may also be optimised.
Scans and photo-heavy PDFs often have more room to shrink than text-only files. An already optimised PDF may change very little.
What to inspect before you send it
- Compare small print, numbers and scanned text with the original at the same zoom level.
- Inspect chart labels, thin lines and image detail.
- Check the page count, order and orientation.
- If needed, test links, search and form fields.
Keep the original for printing, editing or trying another level. Repeatedly compressing a compressed copy can lose more detail without a useful size reduction.
Small details, enlarged
Clear detail
Possible detail loss
Check that numbers stay readable and fine lines remain distinct.
Need a PDF under a size limit?
Check the requirement first
A form may accept a PDF under 2 MB, 1 MB or 500 KB. Compression can help, but the result depends on the original file.
If it is still too large and a higher level is available, try it using the original PDF. If the form allows separate files, split the PDF into the required parts.
Leave some room below the limit: websites may count KB and MB differently. Do not remove pages the recipient requires.
Compare your file size
Enter the size of your downloaded PDF and the receiving website’s limit. This check does not upload or compress a file.
Your files and our service
How we handle your files
We process your PDF online and automatically delete uploaded files and results two hours after conversion. Download links expire after one hour.
Download your PDF when it is ready. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle your data.
Operated by Uptraff Ltd
Learn more about our company on the About us page. If processing fails or your result looks wrong, contact our support team.
Tell us the tool name, file size, compression level and any error message you see. Please describe the problem without attaching a sensitive document.
Frequently asked questions
Answers about file size, quality and common problems.
Still stuck? Write to [email protected].
Can I compress a PDF to 1 MB, 500 KB or another exact size?
The tool offers compression levels rather than a guaranteed target size. Download the result and compare it with the receiving website’s limit. If a higher level is available, try it using the original PDF. Some documents cannot reach a small limit while remaining readable.
Will my PDF lose quality?
It may. Compressing images or reducing their resolution can soften scans, photos and fine detail. Start with Recommended and compare the result with the original. Try Low if the result loses detail you need.
Why is my PDF barely smaller?
Text-only PDFs and files that have already been optimised may contain little reducible data. A higher level may help, but it can also affect image quality. If the new file offers no useful saving, keep the original.
Can I compress a scanned PDF?
Scanned PDFs usually store each page as an image, sometimes with a searchable text layer. Image compression can often reduce their size. Check small print and faint marks carefully afterwards. Making a scan searchable requires OCR; compression alone does not add searchable text.
Can I compress a password-protected PDF?
Remove the password from a copy you have permission to edit before compressing it. You can use Unlock PDF, then return here with the unlocked copy.
What files and file sizes are supported?
Choose one PDF of up to 100 MB. This page compresses PDFs; for other formats, use the matching Convertok tool. If your PDF is larger, export a smaller copy from its source application or split it locally before uploading.
Is PDF compression free, and do I need an account?
Convertok offers this tool for free without sign-up. Open it in your browser, upload your PDF, choose a level and download the result.
What if the PDF fails to process?
Check that the file opens in a PDF reader, is within 100 MB and is not password-protected. Try saving a fresh PDF copy from the original application. If it still fails, contact support with the tool name, file size and error message.
Will compression preserve digital signatures?
Changes to a signed PDF can invalidate its digital signature. Keep the signed original, and compress an unsigned copy before signing whenever possible. If you process a signed document, check signature validity in your PDF reader afterwards.
Make your PDF easier to share
Choose a level, check the downloaded file and keep the original.
Choose a PDF