When this works best
Scanned pages and PDFs made from phone photos often shrink by 50–90%. PDFs that are mostly typed text are usually small already — if the result would be bigger, the tool tells you and you can keep the original.
Choosing a level
| Level | Best for |
|---|---|
| Strong | Strict upload limits (e.g. 1–2 MB forms), on-screen reading |
| Medium | Email attachments, most uses |
| Light | Documents that may be printed |
Still too big? Split the PDF into two files, or remove pages you do not need with Remove PDF pages.
Compress PDF FAQs
Why can I not select text after compressing?
To reach small sizes, pages are converted to compressed images. If you need selectable text, use Light, or keep the original.
Are my PDF files uploaded anywhere?
No. The tool runs entirely in your browser using open-source libraries (pdf-lib and PDF.js). Your file is never sent to a server, so it is safe for contracts, bank statements and IDs.
What is the email size limit?
Gmail and Outlook.com allow about 20–25 MB per email. Many government and job portals limit uploads to 1–5 MB.