Compress PDF PDF Tools
Compress PDF files in your browser so they are easier to email, upload, and store. Upload a PDF, choose a compression level, and download a smaller file in seconds. This tool is built for everyday use, so you do not need an account or extra software. It works especially well for image-heavy PDFs such as scans, brochures, and slide decks, where images often take up most of the file size. If your document is mostly text, the savings may be smaller, but it can still help you meet strict upload limits.
💡 Tip: Start with “Recommended”. If the file is still too large, try a stronger level. If pages look soft, step back one level. For more help, check our compression guide.
How to Use
- Choose your PDF file or files.
- Select a compression level. Start with “Recommended”.
- Run compression and wait a moment.
- Check the result for size and readability.
- Download your compressed PDF.
When You’ll Use This
If you have ever hit an upload limit or had a PDF take forever to send, compression is the quickest fix. It is also useful when a portal accepts PDFs, but only up to a strict size limit.
- Email attachments: Reduce file size so your PDF sends without bouncing.
- Job applications: Upload resumes, portfolios, and certificates that meet size limits.
- Online forms: Submit bank statements, IDs, or reports to portals with strict caps.
- Sharing on WhatsApp/Telegram: Send faster, especially on mobile data.
- Storage cleanup: Keep archives smaller without deleting pages.
What You Get
- Smaller PDFs: Easier to upload, share, and store.
- Clear text: Compression focuses on images, so words usually stay sharp.
- Private workflow: Runs in your browser, so your file stays on your device.
- No installs: Works on desktop and mobile.
- Control: Choose a lighter or stronger level based on your needs.
- No signup: Compress and download without an account.
Common Problems
- Little size change: Text-only PDFs often compress less; try removing unnecessary images or splitting the PDF.
- Blurry images: Aggressive compression can soften images — preview before downloading and choose a lighter level if needed.
- Wrong pages: If you only need a few pages, split the PDF first to avoid compressing the entire file unnecessarily.
Pro Tips
- Use “Recommended” for a balance of size and clarity.
- For scanned documents, try medium compression first to keep legibility.
- Remove unused images or pages before compressing for better results.
- When preparing files for printing, prefer a lighter compression to preserve detail.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not compress your only copy — keep an original backup before applying heavy compression.
- Avoid maximum compression for documents that need clear images, like product photos or detailed scans.
- Do not assume compression will fix scanned text readability — use OCR if you need searchable text.
About this tool
Compress PDF is made to remove file-size friction from everyday document work. The tool gives you clear control: pick a compression level, preview the result, and download a smaller file. It runs in your browser to keep your data local, which makes it a better fit for everyday privacy-minded work. The goal is practical: make files easier to send, upload, and store without forcing complex settings.
This tool favors predictable results. For image-heavy PDFs such as scans, brochures, or slide decks, compression can cut file size by optimizing images. For text-heavy documents, savings are usually smaller but still useful for strict upload limits. If you need a full workflow, use Merge PDF to combine files, Split PDF to extract specific pages, or Protect PDF when sharing sensitive files.
We aim for privacy and simplicity. Keep an original copy before applying heavy compression. If you rely on scanned text, consider OCR first to keep content searchable after compression.
About the Creator
Karan Kumar leads the Affligo tools team that builds practical browser utilities. He created this compression tool to reduce common workflow slowdowns: failed uploads, long send times, and storage limits. His focus is on simple controls, predictable output, and respecting user privacy. This implementation emphasizes clarity — start with a modest compression level, preview results, and keep originals until you are satisfied.
If you have suggestions or see an issue, please share feedback via the contact page. We review reports and update tools regularly to improve reliability and user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Compress PDF keeps text readable. Most size savings come from optimizing images, not changing your words.
Sometimes a little, depending on the compression level you choose. Use “Recommended” if you want a good balance of size and clarity.
No. Compression runs in your browser, so your PDF stays on your device.
Yes. Scanned PDFs often shrink well because they contain large images. If your scan is already low quality, use a lighter setting.
Yes. Add several PDFs and compress them in one go.