How to compress a PDF
- Add your PDF. Drag it in or click to browse. The tool shows its current size and page count.
- Pick a compression level. Choose High compression for the smallest file, Recommended for a good balance, or Light to keep the most quality.
- Compress and download. See the before and after size, check how much you saved, then download the smaller PDF.
What does it mean to compress a PDF?
To compress a PDF means to make a PDF smaller so it is easier to email, upload, or store. A goodPDF compressor removes redundant data and shrinks the large images that usually make a document heavy. That is why image-heavy and scanned files see the biggest drop when you reduce PDF file size: the photos and scans inside them carry most of the weight.
How this PDF compressor works (and what to expect)
To shrink a PDF dramatically, this tool re-renders each page as a compressed image and rebuilds the document from those images. That is why it is especially powerful for scanned documents and image-heavy PDFs, where it can cut the size by 50 to 90 percent. The trade-off is that, because pages become images, thetext is no longer selectable or searchable. If you need to keep selectable text, use the Light level or keep the original file for editing.
Why reduce PDF file size?
- Email and upload limits. Many inboxes and web forms cap attachments at a few MB, so a smaller PDF gets through.
- Faster sharing. Smaller files send and open quicker, especially on mobile data.
- Save storage. Compressed scans and reports take a fraction of the space.
Examples of when to compress a PDF
- A scanned contract that is too large to attach to an email.
- A photo-heavy portfolio or brochure you want to share quickly.
- A multi-page report you need to upload to a form with a strict size cap.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compress a PDF for free?
Add your PDF, choose a compression level, then click compress. The tool reduces the PDF file size and lets you download the smaller file with no sign-up.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
Scanned and image-heavy PDFs often shrink 50 to 90 percent. High compression gives the smallest file, while Light keeps the most quality.
Will the text stay selectable?
With strong compression the pages become images, so the text is not selectable. This works best for scans and image-heavy PDFs. Keep the original if you still need to edit it.
Is there a size limit or watermark?
No size limit and no watermark. Large files just take a little longer to compress.
Related: merge PDFs · split a PDF · PDF to JPG · images to PDF.