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Compress PDF — free online tool
Shrink a large PDF so it's easy to email, upload, or store, while keeping it perfectly readable. Choose recommended compression for everyday files or extreme for the smallest possible size. It runs entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device, and it's completely free with no signup. Our client-side optimization engine intelligently downsizes embedded images, drops duplicate resources, and deflates structural metadata without degrading document text quality.
- Reduce PDF file size significantly in seconds
- Multiple compression levels: Recommended (balanced quality) and Extreme (maximum size reduction)
- Works locally on your device for files up to 50 MB — nothing is uploaded
- No registration, no emails, and no watermarks added
- Ideal for meeting strict file size requirements on job portals, government sites, or email attachments
How to compress pdf
- 1Upload the heavy PDF file you wish to compress.
- 2Select your compression tier: 'Recommended' (best for most files) or 'Extreme' (best when size is highly critical).
- 3Click the 'Compress PDF' button. The optimization engine runs immediately.
- 4View the resulting compression ratio and download your optimized, smaller PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Will PDF compression reduce document readability?
No. Text character outlines and vector elements remain perfectly sharp and readable. 'Recommended' compression optimizes high-resolution images to standard screen resolutions (150 DPI) and clears layout redundancies, which has no noticeable effect on text. 'Extreme' compression applies stronger image re-encoding (100 DPI) and is best for documents where text clarity is the priority over image resolution.
Is there a limit on file size or usage?
Files up to 50 MB can be compressed, as often as you like. Compression runs on your own device, so there is no upload and no server queue; a long scanned PDF takes a little while on a laptop and longer on a phone.
Are my documents secure during compression?
Yes. Merging, splitting, and compressing all execute within your browser tab sandbox. Your files are never uploaded to any server, making this the most secure compression method available online.
Why is my PDF still large after compressing?
Because the size is not in the images. Embedded fonts (especially several full font families), vector-heavy pages exported from design tools, and attached files keep a PDF large no matter how images are recompressed. Check the file in a viewer's document properties: if it lists many fonts or attachments, export it again from the source application with font subsetting on, then compress here.
Which level should I use for a resume or a scanned document?
Recommended for anything with text you want to stay crisp — resumes, contracts, reports — it leaves text and vectors alone and only re-encodes images. Extreme is for photo-heavy scans and slide decks where the images are the file, and where a visible drop in image quality is acceptable in exchange for the smallest size.
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