What is PDF Compressor?
PDF Compressor reduces the file size of large PDFs so they fit email attachment limits and upload size restrictions on government, university and job portals. Pick a compression level, see the before-and-after size, and download the smaller file.
It works best on scanned documents and image-heavy PDFs, which can often shrink by 70–95%. Compression happens entirely in your browser — your file is never uploaded, making it safe for ID proofs, bank statements and other private documents.
How to use PDF Compressor
Get it done in 4 simple steps — no installation or account needed.
- Choose or drop the PDF you want to make smaller.
- Select a compression level — “Recommended” balances quality and size for most documents.
- Click “Compress PDF” and watch the progress as each page is optimized.
- Compare the original and compressed sizes, then click “Download compressed PDF”.
Limitations & supported browsers
Works in the latest Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari (Mac, iPhone and iPad) and Samsung Internet. Because processing happens on your device, speed and maximum file size depend on your device’s memory.
- Each page is converted into an optimized image. Text is no longer selectable or searchable, and links and form fields are removed.
- Text-only or already-optimized PDFs may not get smaller — the tool tells you when that happens, so you can keep the original.
- Large documents use a lot of memory; on phones, compress very large PDFs in parts (split first).
Who needs PDF Compressor?
From students to professionals, here’s who gets the most out of PDF Compressor — and why.
Applicants & students
Meet strict upload limits like “max 200 KB” or “under 1 MB” on application portals.
Email users
Get large scans under the 20–25 MB attachment limit of Gmail and Outlook.
Businesses
Shrink catalogs and reports for faster sharing and smaller storage bills.
Mobile users
Send documents over WhatsApp or slow connections without long waits.
Is PDF Compressor safe to use?
Yes. PDF Compressor runs entirely in your web browser using JavaScript. Your files and data are processed on your own device and are never uploaded to AppsOcean or any third-party server. There’s nothing to install, no account to create, and it’s completely free.Read our privacy policy.
PDF Compressor — frequently asked questions
How much can a PDF be compressed?
Scanned and photo-based PDFs often shrink by 70–95%. Text-only PDFs are already small and may not get smaller.
How do I compress a PDF to under 1 MB or 200 KB?
Start with “Recommended”. If it’s still too large, try “Strong”. For very strict limits, you can also split the PDF and upload only the pages required.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Everything is processed locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your files never leave your device, and nothing is stored on our side.
Will text stay selectable?
Compression re-renders each page as an optimized image, which gives the biggest savings but makes text non-selectable. Keep the original if you need searchable text.
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