Compress PDF Files Online Free to Reduce File Size
Shrink PDF file sizes for email attachments and portal uploads. Choose light or strong compression modes with zero server uploads.
Supports .pdf, application/pdf • 100% processed locally on your device
PDF documents with embedded high-resolution scans, uncompressed photos, and bulky font packages frequently exceed email attachment limits (usually 20 to 25 MB) or job portal ceilings.
This tool compresses your PDF documents right inside your browser to help you meet upload limits while keeping files private.
How to Compress a PDF
Add PDF File
Select the large PDF document you need to shrink.
Choose Compression Mode
Select Light mode to keep text selectable, or Strong mode for maximum reduction.
Download Smaller PDF
Save your compressed document with clear byte savings reported.
Light vs Strong PDF Compression Modes
Light mode re-encodes PDF object streams and strips unnecessary document metadata, keeping all fonts and text intact. Strong mode re-samples embedded scan pages at controlled DPI and quality, which achieves dramatic size reductions for scanned physical documents.
Practical Tips
- Use Light mode first for digital invoices and contracts with fine typography.
Honest Limits
- Strong mode converts text into raster images, removing text searchability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will text remain selectable after compression?
Yes, when using Light mode. Strong mode rasterizes pages, so text will not be selectable.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
Scanned image PDFs can shrink by 50 to 80 percent, while pure vector text PDFs see modest reductions.
Is it safe for private legal and tax documents?
Yes. All compression operations run locally in your web browser.
What happens if the result is larger?
Our engine checks file sizes; if compression does not save bytes, it keeps your original file.