How it works
Compress your PDF in seconds
1
Upload your PDF
Drop your PDF or click to browse. Up to 25 MB.
2
Choose compression
Pick Maximum, Recommended or Low compression based on your needs.
3
Download smaller PDF
Your compressed PDF downloads instantly — same content, smaller size.
Data & Comparison
PDF compression levels explained
Understanding what each compression level does helps you choose the right setting. Here is a real-world comparison based on a typical 10 MB scanned document PDF:
| Compression Level | Resolution (DPI) | Typical Size Reduction | Output Size (from 10 MB) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Maximum | 72 DPI |
70 – 85%
|
1.5 – 3 MB | Email attachments, messaging apps |
| ⭐ Recommended | 150 DPI |
40 – 60%
|
4 – 6 MB | Web uploads, file sharing, cloud storage |
| 👍 Low compression | 300 DPI |
10 – 25%
|
7.5 – 9 MB | Professional printing, archiving |
| No compression | Original |
0%
|
10 MB | Legal documents, original archiving |
Compression savings calculator
Enter your file size below to estimate how much space you will save with each compression level:
MB
🔥 Maximum
1.5 MB
Saves 8.5 MB
RECOMMENDED
⭐ Balanced
5 MB
Saves 5 MB
👍 Low
8.25 MB
Saves 1.75 MB
* Estimates based on typical image-heavy PDF. Text-only PDFs compress less. Actual results vary by content.
When to use each level
Choosing the right compression
📩 Sending via email?
Use Maximum compression. Most email providers limit attachments to 10–25 MB. Compress to under 5 MB to be safe. Text stays crisp, only images slightly soften.
🌐 Uploading to a website?
Use Recommended. 150 DPI looks great on screen and loads fast. Perfect for forms, reports and documents shared via Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer.
📷 Sending to a printer?
Use Low compression. Keeps images at 300 DPI which is the standard print resolution. Reduces file size just enough to transfer easily without degrading print quality.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much will my PDF be compressed?
It depends on the content. PDFs with many images typically compress by 40-80%. Text-only PDFs may see less reduction. The "Recommended" setting offers the best balance.
Will compression affect the text quality?
Text remains crisp at all compression levels. Only image resolution is reduced, and only at higher compression settings.
Is PDF compression free?
Yes, completely free with no account required and no watermarks added.
Are my files safe?
Yes. All files are transferred over HTTPS and deleted from our servers within 1 hour.
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