How to compress a PDF
Drop a PDF into the box and choose a level. Balanced suits most documents, Smallest squeezes files for strict email or upload limits, and Sharper keeps fine print crisp. Press Compress PDF to see the size before and after, then download the smaller file. You can fine-tune the resolution and JPEG quality yourself, and the grayscale option shrinks colour scans even further.
How it works
Each page is drawn as an image at the resolution you choose and saved again as a JPEG, which is very effective for scans, photos and slides exported as pictures. Because pages become pictures, the text can still be read and printed but can’t be selected, searched or filled in, so keep the original for those jobs.
Tips
- If the result turns out bigger than the original, the file was already well optimised. The tool tells you, and you can simply keep the original.
- About 100–150 DPI looks sharp on screens; use 150 DPI or more when the file will be printed.
- Big documents take a little longer, and the progress bar shows how far along it is.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Everything happens inside your own browser, so your documents never leave your device. That makes it safe for contracts, bank statements and other private paperwork.