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Compress a PDF
Free · runs in your browser · updated 2026-07-05
To compress a PDF for free, choose your file, pick a quality level, and click Compress. The tool re-renders each page at the chosen quality and downloads a smaller PDF — typically 40–80% smaller. Processing is local, so your file is never uploaded.
How to use the compress pdf
- Choose a PDFSelect the file you need to shrink.
- Pick a quality levelMedium suits most email attachments; High keeps text sharpest.
- Compress and downloadClick Compress PDF and compare the new size shown.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a PDF smaller for email?
Most email providers cap attachments at 20–25 MB. Choose Medium quality here, which usually brings scanned or image-heavy PDFs well under that limit.
Will compression make text blurry?
Pages are re-rendered as images, so heavy compression can soften small text. Use High quality if the document is text-heavy and you need it crisp.
Why did my file barely shrink?
PDFs that are already mostly plain text are small to begin with. Compression saves the most on scans and photo-heavy documents.
Can the compressed PDF still be printed?
Yes — it prints like any PDF. For print, choose High quality so pages render at a sharper resolution.