Compress PDF

Reduce PDF file size while maintaining quality.

All files are processed in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.

Drag and drop files here

or .pdf

browse files

More tools you might like

All tools →

Split PDF

Split PDF into individual pages or ranges

Image Compressor

Reduce image file size while maintaining quality

Format Converter

Convert images between formats (JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF)

Compress PDF Online — Reduce PDF File Size

Significantly reduce PDF file size without sacrificing the quality that matters. Ideal for emailing documents, uploading to portals with file-size limits, or saving storage space. Everything runs directly in your browser.

PDFs packed with images, scans, or high-resolution graphics are often large and hard to share. This PDF compressor shrinks file size by optimizing the images and document structure inside the PDF while keeping text crisp and readable. Unlike many other services, your file is never uploaded to any server — the entire process happens on your device, so private documents stay private.

Quick answer: Compress PDF

Compress PDF optimizes document images and structure to make a file easier to send or upload. Choose a PDF and quality level, compare the original and result sizes, then download the lighter version when the saving meets your needs.

Input: An unlocked PDF and a compression quality setting.
Output: An optimized PDF ready to download.
Know before use: This implementation typically saves about 5–15%, not a guaranteed amount. Efficient PDFs may barely change, and stronger compression can reduce image quality.

If you only need selected pages, use Split PDF.

✓100% free, no sign-up or subscription required
✓Runs in your browser — no file is uploaded to a server
✓Multiple compression levels: balanced, maximum, or light
✓Keeps text sharp and searchable
✓Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile
✓No watermark and no limit on the number of files

How to Compress a PDF

1
Select your PDF file
Click the upload area or drag your PDF into the box. The file loads instantly in your browser and is never sent anywhere.
2
Choose a compression level
Pick balanced for the best trade-off between size and quality, or maximum when you need the smallest possible file.
3
Run the compression
The tool optimizes the images and structure of your PDF in seconds, right on your device.
4
Download the result
Once finished, download your smaller PDF. You can immediately compress another file with no limits.

When to Compress a PDF

Sending by email

Many email providers cap attachments at 20–25 MB. Compress a PDF so it fits without needing a cloud link.

Uploading to portals or forms

Scholarship, job, and government portals often limit upload size. Shrink your PDF to meet the size requirement.

Heavy scanned documents

Scanned documents tend to be large because they are images. Compression cuts their size dramatically.

Saving storage

Piles of archived PDFs eat up space. Compress them to keep more documents on your device or in the cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tool really free?

Yes, completely free with no hidden fees, watermarks, or file limits. Compress as many PDFs as you need.

Where is my PDF processed?

All compression happens locally in your browser. Your file is never uploaded to a server, so private documents stay secure and confidential.

Will the PDF quality drop?

Compression optimizes the images inside the PDF, so images may lose a little sharpness on the maximum level. Text stays crisp and readable. For the best balance, use the balanced level.

How small can the file get?

It depends on the PDF's content and structure. The current implementation usually provides a light reduction of about 5–15%; already-efficient PDFs may shrink less.

Do I need to create an account?

No. Open this page and start using it right away — no registration, no login.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes. The tool runs in your phone, tablet, or computer browser with no app to install.

Is there a file size limit?

Because processing happens on your device, practical capacity depends on browser memory and performance. Try a smaller file if the tab becomes slow or unresponsive.