Compress PDF online
Choose how strongly to compress a PDF, from light compression for clearer pages to maximum compression for smaller output. This browser-based tool renders each page and rebuilds the PDF with adjustable resolution and JPEG quality. The original remains untouched, and you can compare sizes before downloading.
Open Compress PDFHow to use this tool
- Choose a PDF from your device.
- Move the compression slider or choose Light, Balanced, Strong, or Maximum. The preview values show the target resolution and JPEG quality.
- Select Compress PDF. The progress indicator tracks page rendering and PDF writing; compare the final sizes before downloading.
Good to know
- Compression is performed by rendering each page to a JPEG image, then rebuilding a PDF using the selected resolution and image quality.
- Stronger settings use lower resolution and JPEG quality. They can make scanned or image-heavy PDFs much smaller, but very strong settings can make small text hard to read.
- This method flattens page content. Searchable/selectable text, links, forms, vector artwork, signatures, bookmarks and some document metadata are not retained. Keep the original for important, signed or archival files.
- A PDF that is mostly text/vector content or already optimized can become larger when converted to page images. Compare the sizes and try a different level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose the compression amount?
Yes. Use the strength slider from 1 to 100 or select Light, Balanced, Strong, or Maximum. Higher strength lowers the page resolution and JPEG quality.
Will this always make my PDF smaller?
No. Scanned and image-heavy PDFs often respond better. Text-heavy or already optimized PDFs can become the same size or larger after pages are rebuilt as images. Compare the sizes shown in the result.
Are my documents uploaded?
No upload is required by the tool. Your PDF is processed in the browser on your device.
Will my text remain searchable?
No. This compression method turns each page into a JPEG image. Text will not be selectable or searchable, and links, forms and digital signatures are not preserved. Keep the original if those features matter.