Compress a PDF
Two ways to shrink a PDF. Local compression runs in your browser and keeps everything intact. Advanced compression runs on our server, downsamples images and usually saves far more.
or drop files here
PDF files
Where your file is processed
Device or serverChoose on-device processing, or secure server processing for stronger results.
How to use Compress PDF
Choose a PDF.
Pick On this device (private) or Advanced (server, stronger). For Advanced, pick a preset or set a target size.
Compare the real before and after sizes, then download.
About this tool
Local compression
Removes unused objects and compresses uncompressed data without touching text or images. It helps most with files from older software. Optional image mode re-renders pages as JPEG for scans — smaller, but text becomes an image and links and forms are removed.
Advanced compression (server)
Your file is sent over TLS to our server, processed with Ghostscript and qpdf, and deleted as soon as your browser has received the result — in any case within about an hour. Images are downsampled to the chosen quality. A target size is a best effort: we try a few quality levels and tell you if the target wasn't reached.
Honest results
Some PDFs are already well optimised. If compression would make a file larger, you get the original back and we tell you so.
Frequently asked questions
Which option should I choose?
Start with Local if the document is confidential or mostly text. Use Advanced for scans and photo-heavy documents, where image downsampling makes the biggest difference.
Can you guarantee my file will be under a certain size?
No. Target size is a goal, not a guarantee. Some content (for example vector drawings or embedded fonts) cannot be reduced much without destroying it.
Does compression reduce quality?
Local lossless compression does not. Advanced compression and local image mode reduce image resolution and JPEG quality; text stays sharp in Advanced mode.
What is the size limit?
Advanced compression accepts files up to 100 MB. Compression on your device accepts files up to 500 MB, as far as your device's memory allows.
Related guides
- What is PDF/A, and when do you need it?Courts, archives and government portals often ask for PDF/A. Learn what it is, how 1b, 2b and 3b differ, which one to pick and how to convert a PDF to PDF/A.
- How to reduce PDF file size: lossless vs. image compressionWhy some PDFs shrink a lot and others barely change, which compression to choose for text, scans and photos, and how to compress privately in your browser.
- How to check whether a PDF tool uploads your filesOnline PDF tools rarely say plainly whether your document leaves your device. Use your browser's developer tools to see for yourself in about two minutes.