Compress a PDF

Bring a PDF under the size an upload allows. Choose whether to keep the text selectable or flatten the pages for the smallest possible file — all on your own device, with no upload.

How should it be compressed?

Processed on your device — your file never leaves this browser.

Which mode should I use?

Keep text selectable

Best for PDFs made from a document — letters, forms, statements. The text stays searchable and selectable. Compression is gentle, so it may not reach a very small target.

Smallest size (flatten)

Best for scans and photo-heavy PDFs. Each page becomes an image, which gives reliable control over the final size but makes the text no longer selectable.

Automatic

Documenter inspects the PDF: if it contains real text it keeps it, otherwise it flattens. A good default when you are not sure.

If it won't reach your target

In "keep text" mode a PDF can only shrink so far. If you need it smaller, switch to smallest size, which can hit tighter limits by lowering image quality.