PDF compression

PDF compression – reduce file size while keeping quality – pdf compressor, compress pdf to pdf, compress pdf document, pdf optimize

Our PDF compressor runs entirely in your browser, so there is no file upload. Text and vector graphics are preserved, images are gently recompressed. Multiple files can be processed simultaneously.

How to use it?

1. Select the PDF(s) or drag them onto the interface.
2. Compression profile: choose /Average (good quality + noticeable reduction) or /Strong (maximum size reduction).
3. ZIP password (optional): you can protect the output package with a password.
4. Compress and download: outputs are packed into a ZIP file; you can specify a file name.

Typical use cases

• Reducing email attachment limits (e.g. 20–25 MB) for sending files.
• Meeting portal or tender upload limits by shrinking PDFs.
• Mobile sharing and saving storage space on the go.
• Archiving – slimming down large PDFs for long-term storage.
• Educational materials and presentations for fast sharing.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to the quality?

Text and vectors are preserved; images are recompressed with a trade-off depending on the chosen profile.

Does the OCR text layer remain?

Usually yes, if it was present in the source. If the source is purely image-based, it’s advisable to run OCR first.

Why is the output a ZIP?

Multiple files can be downloaded and organised at once. Even a single file is placed into a ZIP for convenience.

The size didn't decrease, it even increased. Is this an error?

Some documents cannot be reduced meaningfully; in such cases the original is placed in the ZIP with a tag.

Can password protected PDFs be compressed?

No. Password protected PDFs are not supported – remove the protection first, then reload the file.

How does the system handle very large (hundreds of pages) files?

If necessary, it splits, compresses and then re-merges the document.

Tip: for scanned PDFs, first run OCR, then compress; finally, check the visual quality.

Related tools: PDF merge, Watermark & Signature, PDF → images.

Compress PDFs for upload limits while keeping control

PDF compression is usually needed at the last minute: an email rejects a file, a tender portal has a size limit, or a scanned report is too large for storage. Uploading a sensitive PDF to a random compressor just to reduce megabytes can create more risk than the size problem itself. Local compression keeps the working copy on your device while still producing a smaller file.

Compression always has trade-offs. Text and vector content normally stay sharp, but scanned images and photos may be recompressed. For contracts, invoices and searchable reports, first check whether the PDF is mostly text or mostly images. For scanned files, run OCR first if searchability matters, then compress the OCR result and open the output to confirm that pages are still readable.

Compression checklist

• Use a moderate profile for contracts, forms and anything that must remain easy to read.
• Use stronger compression only when the upload limit is strict.
• Check stamps, signatures, QR codes and small print after export.
• Keep the original file until the recipient confirms the compressed version works.

The goal is not the smallest possible number. The goal is a file that fits the channel, remains readable and does not require unnecessary server-side handling.

A safer PDF workflow in three minutes

Before using any PDF tool, make a working copy and leave the original untouched. This gives you a clean fallback if a page is removed, a mark is misplaced, or an export setting produces a result you do not want. For sensitive documents, also check whether every page belongs in the file before you begin. Removing unrelated pages early is one of the simplest privacy improvements.

After export, open the output as a recipient would. Check page order, page orientation, small print, signatures, stamps, form fields and file size. If the PDF will be emailed, uploaded to a portal or stored in a shared folder, decide whether it should be compressed or password-protected first. The final copy should be the exact file you intend to share, not a draft that still needs explanation.

Use this quick checklist

• Work on a copy, not the only original.
• Remove pages and images that the recipient does not need.
• Use a clear filename with purpose and date.
• Open the exported PDF before sharing it.
• Password-protect sensitive outgoing files and send the password separately.