Compress PDF
Reduce PDF size by re-rendering pages as optimized images. Great for scans and image-heavy PDFs. Note: text becomes non-selectable in the compressed file.
Compression level
About this tool
"File too large to send" — every PDF's favourite trick. This free compressor reduces PDF file size right in your browser with three quality levels, so a 40 MB scan can fit through a 10 MB email limit. Your document is never uploaded: unlike typical online PDF compressors, all processing happens locally on your device, which makes it safe for contracts, ID scans and other sensitive paperwork.
It works by re-rendering each page as an efficiently compressed image — extremely effective on scans and image-heavy documents. The trade-off is that text stops being selectable (noted honestly above), so keep your original if you'll need to edit or copy from it later.
How to compress a PDF
- Choose a compression level — Balanced suits most documents.
- Drop your PDF onto the box (or click to browse).
- Watch the progress bar, then compare the before/after size and download the result.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No — compression happens locally in your browser. That makes this tool a safe choice for contracts, invoices, medical documents and anything else you would rather not upload to a stranger's server.
Which compression level should I choose?
Balanced is right for most documents — a large size reduction with text that stays crisp on screen. Use Maximum compression for email size limits, and High quality when the document will be printed or contains fine detail.
Why is text in the compressed PDF not selectable?
To shrink the file, each page is re-rendered as an optimized image, so selectable text and clickable links are not preserved. Keep your original if you need those — this tool is ideal for sharing and archiving, not for further editing.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on the content. Scanned documents and image-heavy PDFs often shrink by 50–90%. PDFs that are already highly optimized may shrink little — the result row shows the exact before and after size.
Does it work with password-protected PDFs?
No — encrypted PDFs cannot be read by the compressor. Remove the password with your PDF software first, then compress the unlocked file.