Compress PDF
How to Compress a PDF
A PDF that's too big to email is a common headache, especially for scans. Drop your PDF below, pick a compression level, and download a smaller version — entirely in your browser.
Compress your PDF
Drop a PDF here or click to choose
Best for scanned or image-heavy PDFs · runs in your browser, no upload
Steps to compress a PDF
- Drop your PDF into the box above, or click to choose it.
- Pick a level: Smallest file, Balanced, or Best quality.
- Click Compress PDF and check the before/after size.
- Download the compressed file if you're happy with the size.
What compresses well (and what doesn't)
This tool rebuilds each page as a compressed image, so scanned documents and image-heavy PDFs shrink the most. Text-only PDFs are already very compact and may not get smaller — the tool shows the before/after size so you can keep the original if needed.
The trade-off of image-based compression is that text becomes part of the page picture and is no longer selectable. For the smallest possible email-ready file from a scan, that's usually a fine trade.
Frequently asked questions
Is compressing a PDF here free and private?
Yes. It's free with no account, and the PDF is processed entirely in your browser, so it's never uploaded.
How small will my PDF get?
It depends on the content and the level you choose. Scanned and image-heavy PDFs often drop by 50% or more; text-only PDFs may not shrink much.