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File Checklist for Online Applications

Quick answer

A free checklist for preparing files for job, school and government application forms: correct format, size limits, naming and privacy.
  • Read the form's accepted formats (often PDF and/or JPG).
  • Check the maximum file size (commonly 2–10 MB per file).
  • Convert documents to the required format.
  • Compress files that exceed the size limit.
  • Use clear file names like Firstname_Lastname_Document.pdf.
  • Remove private metadata from photos and scans.
  • Keep readable scans (300 DPI is plenty).
Shrink a file under the limitCompress images in your browser.
Turning several photos into one PDF is coming with our PDF tools — for now, compress each image and upload separately if needed.

Sources

Last verified · reviewed rarely.

Change history
  • Initial publication.