Stayput Tools

Compress a PDF to 200 KB

Get a PDF under 200 KB for application forms and portals with a small upload limit. The tool finds the best quality that fits, and nothing is uploaded.

Files stay on your device. Free, with no sign-up.

  1. 1Add PDF files
  2. 2Adjust
  3. 3Download

    How it works

    1. Add your PDF.
    2. Leave the limit at 200 KB, or change it.
    3. Press the button and download the smaller PDF.

    A common limit for forms

    200 KB is a typical cap on certificates, ID proofs and supporting documents. It is enough for a few clear scanned pages, and for text-based PDFs it is usually more than needed.

    If your scan is a phone photo turned into a PDF, shrinking the pictures first with Compress Image or Resize Image, then building the PDF, often gives a sharper result at the same size.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is 200 KB enough for a few scanned pages?

    Usually, for two to four pages of clear text. The more pages, the less room each one gets, so check that small print is still readable.

    How does it get the PDF under my size?

    First it tries to shrink the file without touching its pages. If that is enough, your text stays selectable. If not, every page is saved as an image and the size budget is shared out page by page: pages with little on them use less, which leaves more room for the busy ones.

    Will I still be able to select and copy the text?

    Only if the file could be shrunk enough without touching its pages, and the result says so when that happens. Otherwise each page becomes an image, so the text is no longer selectable or searchable.

    What if it cannot reach my size?

    You are told the closest size it could reach, and you still get that file. A higher limit, fewer pages (see Remove Pages or Split PDF) or a lower-resolution original are the usual fixes.

    Why is the result a little under my limit?

    It aims just below your limit on purpose. It also counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes, so the file passes upload forms that count either 1,000 or 1,024 bytes per KB.

    Are my files uploaded anywhere?

    No. Everything happens inside your browser, on your own device. Your files are never sent to a server, and you can confirm that in your browser's network tab. Close the tab and they're gone.

    Is there a file size limit?

    Each file can be up to 100 MB, and up to 300 MB in total. Because the work happens on your device, very large files depend on your available memory. A desktop browser handles them best.

    Can I use a password-protected PDF?

    Not directly. Use Unlock PDF on this site to remove the password (you need to know it), then add the unlocked copy here.

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