PDF Tools
Compress PDF
Reduce a PDF file using content-preserving safe optimization or stronger page flattening for image-heavy documents. Compare the reported size before downloading.
Reduce PDF file size
Compress PDF
Choose safe reserialization or a smaller rasterized copy, with clear quality and text-preservation tradeoffs.
PDF and compression settings
Choose a PDF to begin.
Compression result
- Original Size
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- Compressed Size
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- Saved Bytes
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- Percentage Saved
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- Compression Mode
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- Page Count
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- Selectable Text Preserved
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Actual before-and-after sizes will appear after processing.
Your files are processed locally in your browser and are not uploaded or stored by this tool.
The selected PDF and compressed output remain in browser memory. ToolHub does not upload or store the document.
How to compress a PDF
- 1
Select the PDF you want to reduce.
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Choose Safe Optimization when selectable text and vectors matter.
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Choose Maximum Compression only when stronger reduction is worth flattening pages into images.
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Run the compression and compare original and output sizes.
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Open the downloaded PDF and inspect text, images and every important page.
Safe optimization versus maximum compression
Safe Optimization reserializes the PDF, removes optional metadata and automatic actions, and keeps supported text and vector page content. It is the better first choice for reports, forms and text-heavy documents, but it cannot guarantee a smaller file.
Maximum Compression renders each page at a controlled resolution and stores it as a JPEG-backed page. This can substantially reduce scanned or image-heavy documents, but selectable text, vector sharpness, accessibility structure and interactive content are lost.
PDF compression example
A scanned brochure with full-page photographs may shrink noticeably in flattened mode. A compact text-only PDF may change very little or even become larger, and the tool reports that result rather than claiming a false reduction.
Can this compress a PDF to 200 KB?
No exact target size can be guaranteed. The result depends on page count, image detail, current compression and selected quality. Reaching 200 KB, 100 KB or 1 MB may require lower resolution or fewer pages, which can make text and images harder to read.
What usually makes a PDF large?
- Scanned pages: every page may contain a large photograph.
- High-resolution images: print-quality graphics can dominate file size.
- Embedded fonts or attachments: extra resources add weight.
- Existing optimization: an already efficient PDF offers little room for reduction.
Important limitations
Flattening can remove searchable text and reduce accessibility. Encrypted, malformed or unsupported PDFs may fail. Keep the original document until you have checked the downloaded copy.
Related tools
Compress PDF FAQ
Is PDF compression guaranteed to make a file smaller?
No. An already optimized PDF can remain similar in size or grow slightly, especially in safe mode.
What is the safest compression mode?
Safe Optimization is the first choice when retaining selectable text and vector content matters.
Does maximum compression remove searchable text?
Yes. It flattens pages into images, so text selection and search are lost.
Can I compress a PDF to an exact size?
The tool cannot guarantee an exact target such as 200 KB because document content varies.
Will compression reduce image quality?
Safe mode aims to preserve content. Flattened mode trades resolution and JPEG quality for stronger reduction.
Is the PDF uploaded?
No. Compression occurs locally in the browser and the file is not sent to ToolHub.
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