Compress PDF
Reduce PDF file size with a private browser-side structural pass. The Compressio...Reduce PDF file size with a private browser-side structural pass. The Compression Lab shows realistic estimates, target-size warnings, and next-step g...
Compression Lab
Shrink the PDF, keep the tradeoff visible.
Choose a recipe, set the target size, run a private structural pass, and get clear guidance when a stricter image-resolution export is the better next move.
Input
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Plan
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Savings
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Local file preview
Private browser pass with target-size guidance.
Drop a PDF here
or click to choose a local file
Target size
Compression target for email, portals, and archives.
Your PDF bytes stay in this browser. The plan endpoint only receives file metadata and compression settings.
Supported Formats
Input Formats
Output Formats
Compression Features
A practical compressor that explains its tradeoffs
Why Use Compress PDF?
Private by Default
The PDF bytes stay on your device. The backend planner only receives file size, page count, chosen recipe, and result metrics.
Target Aware
Set a target like 10 MB or 25 MB and see whether a structural pass is likely to be enough before you export.
Readable Results
Quality and balanced recipes keep text selectable and preserve existing images instead of blindly rasterizing every page.
Sharing Ready
Email and portal recipes flag when a smaller source-image export may be needed for strict attachment caps.
When to Compress PDFs
Common compression jobs with fewer surprises
Email Attachments
Check a PDF against common attachment limits and export the smaller version when a structural pass helps.
Upload Portals
Aim for court, school, grant, or HR portal limits with a clear target-size readout.
Document Archives
Run a quality-preserving structural pass before storing reports, packets, or forms long term.
Scanned PDFs
Get warned when scans probably need image-resolution changes instead of another lossless pass.
How It Works
Upload a PDF
Choose a local PDF. The file is read in your browser and is not uploaded for compression.
Pick Recipe and Target
Choose high quality, balanced, smallest, or email mode and set the target size you need to hit.
Compress and Review
Run the structural optimization pass, compare original and output size, then download the result.
Pro Tips
Text PDFs
Text-first PDFs often benefit from object-stream rewriting without changing visual quality.
Image-Heavy PDFs
Large scans usually need lower image DPI or quality from the source export to shrink dramatically.
Already Optimized
If the output barely changes, the PDF was likely already optimized or mostly made of compressed images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trusted by Millions
“Super fast and easy to use!”
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“Best free PDF tool online”
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“Saves me hours every week”
Mike R.
50M+
Files Processed
2M+
Happy Users
4.9
Star Rating
99.9%
Uptime