Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

No. The whole process runs inside the web browser using JavaScript, so the PDF never leaves the device and is not stored anywhere.

Will my PDF look worse after compression?

Slightly, because a smaller file stores less detail. The tool attempts to preserve quality while reducing file size, but results vary. Choosing a larger target or gentler compression may keep more detail.

Can I still select and copy text from the compressed PDF?

No. The compressor saves each page as an image, so text in the new file cannot be selected, copied or searched. Keep the original PDF if editable or searchable text is needed.

Are there any limits, and does it work with password-protected PDFs?

PDFs up to 50 MB and 200 pages are supported. Password-protected PDFs cannot be opened by the tool, so the password must be removed first. Large files take longer because processing happens on the user's own device.

PDF Compressor Online Free – Reduce PDF File Size

PDF Compressor Guide

PDF Compressor Online: Reduce PDF File Size for Free

A simple guide to compressing PDF files, choosing a suitable file size, and understanding quality and privacy.

Quick answer: Upload your PDF, choose a target size if needed, and press Compress PDF. The tool reduces the file size in your browser and provides a download when processing is complete. You can choose from the available size options or enter a custom target.

How to Compress a PDF Online

It takes four simple steps and no account or software.

Add your PDF. Drag the file onto the upload box, or click the box and pick it from your phone or computer.
Choose a target size. Select one of the available size options, or choose Custom and enter your preferred size if that option is available.
Press Compress PDF. A progress bar shows which page is being processed. Most files finish in a few seconds.
Download the result. You will see the old size, the new size and how much space you saved. Click Download compressed PDF to save it.

Why Reduce the Size of a PDF?

Large PDF files can be difficult to upload, email or share, especially when a website or email service has an attachment limit. Scanned documents and PDFs with high-resolution images can take up several megabytes. Compressing a PDF can make it easier to share or upload, although the result depends on the file and the selected compression settings.

What Happens to Your PDF During Compression

The tool opens each page of your PDF, turns it into a picture, saves that picture with a lighter level of quality, and puts all the pages back together into a new PDF. If the first attempt is still bigger than your target, it tries again with slightly lower quality until the file fits. It stops at the best quality that stays under your size, so you don't lose more detail than necessary.

Because pages become pictures, this method works best for scanned documents, photos, forms and certificates. The text in the new file looks the same on screen but can no longer be selected, copied or searched.

Example: Reducing the Size of a Scanned PDF

For example, a scanned PDF containing several pages and large images may be much bigger than a text-only document. Compression can reduce its size, but the exact result depends on the original file and compression settings.

Example only: the original and compressed sizes will vary by file.

Scanned and image-heavy PDFs may shrink considerably, while files that are already optimized or mostly text may show only a small reduction. Always check the final file before sharing it.

Tips for Better PDF Compression

Remove pages you don't need before compressing. Fewer pages means a smaller file.
Scan in black and white or grayscale instead of full color when the document allows it.
Choose a larger target size if the compressed document looks too blurry or difficult to read.
Split very long documents into two files if one file can't reach the limit and stay readable.

Hits Your Size Target

Choose from the available target sizes or enter a custom size, and the tool works toward your selected limit.

Your File Stays Private

Compression runs inside your browser. Your PDF is never uploaded or stored on our servers.

Works on Phone and Desktop

No app, no signup and no watermark. Open the page, add your file and download the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upload your PDF, choose a compression or target-size option if available, and click Compress PDF. When processing finishes, check the new file size and download the compressed PDF. No installation or account is needed.

No. The whole process happens inside your web browser using JavaScript, so your PDF never leaves your device and is not stored anywhere. That makes it a safer choice for personal documents such as IDs, certificates and contracts.

Slightly, yes, because making a file smaller means storing less detail. The tool uses the highest quality that still fits your target, so the result may remain readable, depending on the original document and settings. If it looks too soft, choose a larger target or a less aggressive compression option.

No. This compressor saves each page as an image, which is why it can shrink files so much, but it also means the text can't be selected, copied or searched in the new file. Keep your original PDF if you need editable or searchable text.

Some long or image-heavy documents may not shrink as much as expected without a noticeable loss of quality. Files that are already small or optimized may have little room to shrink. Try removing unnecessary pages, splitting the document, or selecting a different compression level or larger target.

If the tool offers target-size options, you can select one of the listed sizes or use Custom to enter a preferred limit in KB or MB. The final size depends on the PDF and may not always reach the exact target.

You can compress PDFs up to 50 MB and 200 pages. Password protected PDFs can't be opened by the tool, so remove the password first. Very large files take longer because everything is processed on your own device.

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