PDF Compressor
A fast online PDF compressor to reduce PDF file size for email, uploads, and chat - compress PDF in your browser, no signup.
Use this PDF compressor to shrink PDF file size without losing readability. Choose a compression level - Light, Balanced, or Strong - or set a target file size in MB and let the tool aim for it. Handles both text and image-heavy PDFs.
Batch compress a whole folder of documents in one go, keeping text searchable and bookmarks intact. Ideal when a form caps attachments at 2 MB, or when an email rejects a 30 MB PDF and you need to send it today.
How to compress a PDF
Four steps to a smaller file.
1. Upload
Drop a single PDF or a batch of documents.
2. Pick a level
Light, Balanced, or Strong - pick based on where the file will live.
3. Target size (optional)
Need a specific limit like 2 MB? Enter it and compress to fit.
4. Download
Save each file or download the batch as a ZIP.
Which compression level to pick
Match the level to where the PDF will be used.
Light
Print-readySmallest visible change. Text and images stay sharp. Smaller savings.
Balanced
Email, cloud uploadsGood readability with a meaningful drop in size. Sensible default.
Strong
Attachments, formsSmallest file size. Images are resampled - still legible, not print-quality.
Common PDF file size limits
Rough upper bounds for popular platforms.
| Use | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Email attachment | ≤ 5–10 MB | Most inboxes accept this comfortably. |
| Job / government upload | ≤ 1–2 MB | Many portals cap at 2 MB total. |
| Web upload / CMS | ≤ 5 MB | Faster uploads and previews. |
| WhatsApp / chat | ≤ 100 MB | WhatsApp cap; keep well under for reliability. |
Common pitfalls
Expecting huge savings from tiny PDFs
A 300 KB text-only PDF is already lean. Compression shines on PDFs with many embedded images.
Using Strong for print
Strong resamples images aggressively. Fine for screen, not for professional print. Use Light if the file will be printed.
Compressing scanned PDFs without OCR
Scans are heavy. Running OCR first + compression gives much better results than compression alone.
Losing accessibility tags
Aggressive recompression sometimes drops structure tags. If accessibility matters, stick to Light or Balanced.
What this tool supports
| Feature | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compression levels | Yes | Light / Balanced / Strong presets. |
| Target file size (MB) | Yes | Compress toward a specific limit. |
| Downsample images in PDF | Yes | Smaller embedded images = smaller PDF. |
| Batch compress | Yes | Queue many PDFs, download as ZIP. |
| Keep text searchable | Yes | Text layer is preserved. |
| Preserve bookmarks & links | Yes | Navigation stays intact. |
| Account required | No | No signup, no install. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PDF compressor free to use?
Yes. It’s free and runs in your browser - no signup, no install.
How much can I shrink a PDF?
It depends on the source. PDFs with many embedded images often drop 40–80% in size. Text-only PDFs are already compact and see smaller savings.
Can I compress a PDF to a specific size (e.g. 2 MB)?
Yes. Enter the target in MB and the tool adjusts the compression level to aim for that limit. If the target is very aggressive, try Strong or run OCR on scans first.
Will the text stay searchable?
Yes. The text layer is preserved. Bookmarks and internal links also stay intact.
Is the compressed PDF still print-quality?
Light keeps print quality. Balanced is fine for most uses. Strong resamples images more aggressively - great for screen, not recommended for professional printing.
Does the tool upload my PDFs to a server?
Compression runs in your browser. Files are processed locally and not stored on our servers.
User reviews
No reviews yet. If you used the tool, you can share feedback on our feedback page.
Ready to compress your PDF?
Upload your file, pick a level or target size, and download a smaller PDF in seconds.