Optimize PDF
Compress PDF Online Free
Use Compress PDF when a document is too large for email, upload portals, school submissions, client systems, or storage.
Compression works best on image-heavy PDFs such as scans and photo packets. Text-only PDFs may already be compact and may not shrink much.
What this tool helps with
- Reduce image-heavy PDF size
- Choose a practical compression level
- Understand quality and text-layer tradeoffs
- Download a smaller PDF copy
Supported formats
- Input: PDF files supported by the browser PDF workflow.
- Output: a smaller PDF copy where compression is effective.
- The original PDF should be kept when image quality or selectable text matters.
Best for
- Scanned packets and photo-heavy PDFs
- Email and upload size limits
- Quick size reduction before sharing
- Creating a smaller copy while keeping the original file
Limits to know
- Compression is not guaranteed to shrink every PDF.
- Stronger compression can soften images, lower detail, or affect text layers depending on the method.
- Encrypted, damaged, or unusual PDFs may not compress successfully.
How it works
- Open the Compress PDF workspace.
- Add the oversized PDF.
- Choose a practical compression level and review the expected tradeoff.
- Download the smaller copy and check it before sending.
Open Compress PDF or browse all PDF tools.
Common questions
Will every PDF become smaller?
No. Image-heavy files usually shrink most. Text-only or already optimized PDFs may shrink little or not at all.
Can compression reduce quality?
Yes. Smaller files can mean softer images or lower detail, so review the finished PDF before sending it.
Does compression add searchable text?
No. Compression reduces size. It does not run OCR.