Compress PDF

Shrink a PDF by compressing the photos and scans inside it while text, links and form fields stay as they are. Runs in your browser.

Reviewed by Dany, RightSums team · Updated

Runs in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.

pdf-optimize · PDF tool · UK & US

The default method, Compress images, keep text, finds the photos and scans inside your PDF, scales down any shown at more than 200, 150 or 96 DPI (your choice) and saves them as JPEGs. Text, vector graphics, links, bookmarks and form fields are not touched, so the file stays searchable. Images the tool cannot decode safely, such as CMYK or JPEG 2000, are left as they are and counted on the result screen. A lossless re-save is also offered. For the smallest file, Maximum compression turns every page into a picture at 150, 110 or 72 DPI, which removes selectable text, links and form fields. If the result is not smaller, you get the original back. Nothing is uploaded.

Accepted inputs

  • PDF

Outputs

  • PDF (compressed)

How to use the Compress PDF

  1. Drop the PDF you want to shrink into the box, entering its password if asked.
  2. Keep Compress images, keep text and pick Light, Medium or Strong, or choose Maximum compression for scans.
  3. Click Compress PDF and wait while each image or page is processed in your browser.
  4. Check the new size and the note on skipped images, then download the compressed file.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reduce the size of a PDF for email?

Load the PDF and use Compress images, keep text at Medium (150 DPI). In our test, a one-page report with a 3,000 by 2,000 pixel photo shown 300 points wide went from 3.56 MB to 209 KB, and its text stayed selectable. If it is still too big, try Strong or Maximum compression.

Will compressing a PDF reduce quality?

Only the images change. Photos shown at more than your chosen resolution are scaled down and saved as JPEGs, so very fine detail softens a little. Text and vector drawings are untouched. Maximum compression is different: it turns each page into a picture, so text can no longer be selected and links and form fields are lost.

Why did my PDF barely get smaller?

Text-only PDFs have no images to shrink, and some images use formats this tool leaves alone, such as CMYK, JPEG 2000 or 1-bit scans. The result screen says how many images were skipped and why. If nothing could be saved, you get the original file back.

Which compression setting should I choose?

Use Compress images, keep text for almost everything: Light (200 DPI) for print, Medium (150 DPI) for general use and Strong (96 DPI) for on-screen reading. Use Maximum compression only for scans where selectable text does not matter.

Is my PDF uploaded to compress it?

No. Compression runs in your own browser, so the document never leaves your device. Large files may take a little longer because the work is done by your computer or phone rather than a server. A password-protected PDF is saved without its password, and the tool tells you when that happens.

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