Which compression level should I use?

Start with Light — it never reduces quality. If the file is still too large, use Balanced, which works well for scanned documents and email attachments. Strong gives the smallest files for uploads with strict limits.

Will I still be able to select and search text?

With Light, yes. Balanced and Strong flatten each page into an image, so text is no longer selectable or searchable.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript, so your files never leave your device and nothing is stored on our servers. It even keeps working if you go offline after the page has loaded.

Compress PDF

Every PDF task.
One calm place.

Compress a PDF

Make files smaller. Light keeps text selectable; Balanced and Strong flatten pages to images.

Drop PDFs here

or browse files · processed on your device

To reduce a PDF's size, drop it in, choose Light, Balanced or Strong and press Compress. Light is lossless and keeps text selectable; Balanced and Strong re-render pages as images for much smaller files. You always get the smallest result.

How to compress a PDF

Drop one or more PDFs into the box above.
Pick a level: Light (lossless), Balanced (good for email) or Strong (smallest).
Press Compress. The result shows the size before and after.

Other PDF tools

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Frequently asked questions

Which compression level should I use?: Start with Light — it never reduces quality. If the file is still too large, use Balanced, which works well for scanned documents and email attachments. Strong gives the smallest files for uploads with strict limits.
Will I still be able to select and search text?: With Light, yes. Balanced and Strong flatten each page into an image, so text is no longer selectable or searchable.
Are my files uploaded to a server?: No. This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript, so your files never leave your device and nothing is stored on our servers. It even keeps working if you go offline after the page has loaded.