Compress PDF

Reduce PDF file size without losing quality. 100% free, runs in your browser.

📁

Drop your PDF here

or click to browse — max 300 MB

Accepted: .pdf · Max: 300 MB

About Compress PDF

PDF files balloon in size when they contain scanned pages, high-resolution photos, or embedded fonts. A 40 MB scan that won't attach to an email can usually shrink to a few megabytes with no visible difference on screen. This compressor re-renders each page and re-encodes the imagery at a resolution you choose, which is the same approach professional tools use.

Because the work happens in your browser with JavaScript, there is no upload step at all — useful for contracts, medical records, or anything you would rather not send to a stranger's server. The trade-off is that very long documents take a little longer on slower machines, but nothing ever leaves your device.

How to use Compress PDF

1
Add your PDF
Drag the file into the upload zone or click to browse. There is no file size cap because nothing is uploaded.
2
Pick a compression level
Screen (72 DPI) for email and chat, eBook (96 DPI) for everyday reading, or Print (150 DPI) when the document will be printed.
3
Compress
Each page is re-rendered and re-encoded in your browser. A progress bar tracks pages as they finish.
4
Download and compare
The result shows the original size next to the new size so you can judge whether to try a stronger level.

Tips for better results

✓Scanned documents and photo-heavy PDFs compress the most — often 70–80% smaller.
✓Text-only PDFs barely shrink because text is already stored efficiently; that is normal.
✓If the output looks soft at Screen level, re-run the original at eBook — quality levels are not cumulative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can PDF compression reduce file size? +

Typically 20–80% depending on the PDF content. PDFs with many embedded images compress the most. Text-heavy PDFs see smaller reductions since text is already compact.

Will compression affect PDF quality? +

At eBook quality (96 DPI), you will not notice any difference for normal screen reading. Screen quality is best for email sharing. Print quality maintains high resolution suitable for printing.

Is there a file size limit? +

No. Because processing happens entirely in your browser, there is no server upload limit. Very large PDFs with many pages may take longer to process.

Are my PDF files kept private? +

Yes, completely. Your file never leaves your browser. The compression happens using JavaScript running on your own device — nothing is uploaded.

What compression level should I use? +

Use Screen for sharing via email or messaging apps. Use eBook for general web and on-screen use. Use Print when you need to send to a professional printer.

Why does the file size sometimes not change much? +

Text-only PDFs with no embedded images compress very little since text is already stored efficiently. Image-heavy PDFs benefit the most from compression.