Compress a PDF without losing quality
Reduce PDF file size for email and uploads while keeping text sharp. Choose the right compression level for your plan.
Start with a light compress
Most documents only need a low compression pass. That shrinks embedded images while keeping text crisp enough for printing and sharing.
When files stay large
Huge scans and photo-heavy slides drive file size. Compress again at a stronger level, or convert image-only pages carefully if you do not need the original resolution.
Free plan limits
Free accounts can compress with the standard low setting. Pro unlocks stronger compression, larger uploads, and downloads without a trial gate.
Email and upload caps
Gmail and many web forms reject attachments around 20–25 MB. Compress once, check the new size, and split the PDF only if a second pass still sits over the limit. Text-heavy files shrink less than photo scans because there is little image data to discard.
Print vs screen
If the file must stay print-sharp, stay on a light compress. Stronger settings are for email, chat, and web upload where a small drop in photo detail is acceptable.
Questions
- Why did my PDF barely shrink?
- Already-optimized or text-only PDFs have little redundant image data. Photo scans and high-DPI page images shrink the most.
- Is strong compression a Pro feature?
- Stronger compression levels may be gated on free plans. Upgrade or try a moderate level first, then check the download size.