How to compress a PDF
- Choose or drop your PDF.
- The maximum size is already set to 1 MB; change it if you need another.
- Click Compress.
- Download the compressed PDF.
What is it for?
Many forms and platforms cap attachments at 1 MB, and emails with light files arrive faster. This tool tries lower and lower qualities until the PDF fits in 1 MB, and if the text alone is already too big you can switch to “Maximum compression”.
Everything happens on your device, so your documents are never uploaded to a server.
Limits to keep in mind
- If the PDF is mostly text, it may not get below 1 MB without switching to “Maximum compression”, which turns the text into an image.
- The smaller the target, the more image quality you lose.
- Password-protected PDFs can’t be processed: remove the protection first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reduce a PDF to 1 MB?
Drop the PDF and click Compress: the maximum size is already set to 1 MB. The tool looks for the best quality that stays under that size.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. Compression happens in your browser, on your device. Your document is not sent anywhere.
What if it does not reach 1 MB?
If it is still too big, choose “Maximum compression”, which turns every page into an image, or try a PDF with fewer pages.
Do I lose quality?
A little, because a smaller file needs more compression. The tool keeps the best quality that fits the requested size.