How to use Compress PDF
- Add the PDF you want to make smaller.
- Choose Recommended for a balanced result, or Strong / Maximum when you need the smallest file.
- Press Compress PDF. You will see the before and after size.
About this tool
This compressor works by turning each page into an optimised JPEG image and rebuilding the PDF. That is very effective for scans, photo-heavy documents and slide decks, and it is the reason the tool can work without a server.
The trade-off is honest and important: after compression the text is part of the picture, so it can no longer be selected, copied or searched. If you need to keep the text, compress only the images in your original app instead, or keep the original file for archives. Our guide on reducing PDF size for email explains what works best.
Good to know
- Text becomes part of the page image, so it is no longer selectable or searchable.
- A PDF that is already small (for example plain text) may not get smaller. The tool tells you when that happens.
- Password-protected PDFs need to be unlocked first.
Compress PDF: frequently asked questions
How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on the content. Scans and photo-heavy PDFs often shrink a lot, while text-only PDFs may not shrink at all because they are already tiny.
Will the text still be searchable?
No. Pages become images, so text cannot be selected or searched. Keep your original if you need that.
Which level should I use?
Start with Recommended. If the file is still too big for your email or form, run the original again with Strong or Maximum.
Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?
No. The compression runs in your browser, so the document stays on your device.