Compress PDF - Reduce PDF File Size
Large PDFs are slow to send and often rejected by email and upload forms. This tool shrinks the photos and scanned pages inside your PDF and tidies the file structure, then shows you exactly how much smaller the file became. It never claims a reduction it didn't achieve.
Part of PDF Management Tools
How to use Compress PDF
-
Step 1
Upload the PDF you want to make smaller.
-
Step 2
Choose Low, Recommended or High compression.
-
Step 3
Compress, compare the original and new sizes, then download the smaller PDF.
Instructions
- Accepted files
- PDF - one file at a time.
- Tip
- Keep a copy of your original file. Tools always create a new file and never overwrite the original.
Common uses
- Meeting email attachment size limits
- Uploading documents to job or government portals
- Saving storage space in cloud drives
Compress PDF - Frequently Asked Questions
How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on what's inside. PDFs with photos or scanned pages often shrink by 50% or more. PDFs that are mostly text, fonts or drawings are usually already compact and may shrink very little.
Why couldn't my PDF be compressed?
If the result wouldn't be smaller, we tell you and don't offer a larger file. This happens with files that are already optimised, or whose size comes from fonts, text, vector graphics or image types we leave untouched to protect quality (such as CMYK print images).
Will compression reduce quality?
Text, fonts and drawings are never changed. Only images are re-encoded: Low keeps them close to the original, Recommended is a good balance for sharing, and High makes images noticeably softer. Your original file is never modified.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes. PDF App Tools is free for everyone, with no mandatory account and no payment required.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Compress PDF runs entirely in your web browser. Your files are never uploaded to our servers and nothing is kept after you close the page.
Which devices and browsers are supported?
Any up-to-date browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, on Windows, macOS, Android or iPhone. Very large files use more memory, so they may be slow on older phones.