PRACTICAL GUIDE
How to reduce PDF file size
If a PDF exceeds an email attachment or upload limit, choosing the strongest compression immediately is not always best. Reduce it in stages based on how the document will be used, especially for scans with small text, stamps, or photos.
Before you begin
Start with light compression for documents that will be printed or enlarged. Recommended compression is often sufficient for viewing and sharing. Check whether the recipient has a target such as 1MB or 10MB before you begin.
Step-by-step
- Select the original PDF in the PDF compressor.
- Start with light or recommended compression and check the output size.
- If the file is still too large, try stronger compression and compare the result.
Check the result before sharing
Zoom in on small text, signatures, stamps, table figures, and text inside photos. Keep both the original and result so you can retry if readability is not good enough.
Open the free tool →Frequently asked questions
Will compression delete my original?
No. Compression creates a new download and does not change the original file.
Why does each PDF shrink by a different amount?
Image resolution, scanning method, fonts, and previously compressed data differ from one document to another.
About this guide
This page explains a practical file-handling workflow. Keep an original copy of important files and review the downloaded output before submitting it to a third party.