Compress PDF Online
Reduce PDF file size by rebuilding pages as images. Check readability before using the compressed document.
Lossy compression: rebuilds pages as JPEG images; removes selectable text, links and forms. A result is offered only when smaller than the original.
What this tool does
Use this PDF compressor when a document containing large images is too big for an email attachment or upload. It renders each page as a JPEG image and creates a new PDF. This is lossy compression: selectable text, links and fillable forms are removed. Keep the original if you need those features.
How to use it
- Choose one PDF file. Keep a copy of the original document.
- Start with Render scale 1 and JPEG / WebP quality 0.8. These are the initial settings; the PDF compressor uses JPEG output.
- Select Process. If the rebuilt file is not smaller, lower scale or quality gradually and try again.
- Compare the displayed original and output sizes. Download the compressed PDF, open it, and inspect small text and page count before sending it.
Choosing size versus clarity
Lower scale reduces the number of pixels used to render each page. Lower quality increases JPEG compression. Both can make a PDF smaller but may blur small text, signatures or diagrams. For a US resume packet with selectable text, consider retaining the original instead of rasterizing it.
When compression does not help
A compact, text-only PDF may become larger when turned into page images. The tool then reports “No size reduction” and offers no successful compression download. There is no guaranteed 100 KB, 1 MB or other target size.
Limits and result checks
The current limits are 25 MB per input file, 100 MB total input and 200 PDF pages. Output is rebuilt from page images. Check legibility, dimensions and page count; the source is not overwritten.
Common questions
Will the compressed PDF keep selectable text or forms?
No. Pages become JPEG images inside a new PDF. Selectable text, links and interactive forms are removed. Save a text copy first if needed.
Why is no smaller PDF offered?
The rebuilt document must be smaller than the original. An already optimized PDF may not benefit. Try a lower scale or quality, then compare readability.
Can I compress a PDF to an exact file size?
No. The result depends on the original pages and settings. Compare the actual output size with the destination’s upload limit.
What should I check before emailing the result?
Open the downloaded PDF and check small text, signatures, all pages and file size. Keep the original for editing and accessible text.
Related PDF workflows
- Merge PDF files: Combine attachments before reducing the combined file size.
- Rearrange PDF pages: Set the final order before lossy compression.
- Extract embedded PDF text: Save reusable text before pages are rasterized.
- Convert PDF pages to JPG: Choose this when you need image files rather than a smaller PDF.