Stayput Tools

Compress a PDF

Reduce the size of a PDF for email or forms that limit uploads. You choose how strong the compression is, and your file stays on your device.

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

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

    How it works

    1. Add one or more PDFs.
    2. Pick a compression level. The estimate next to each one shows how small the file will get; Balanced is a good start.
    3. Press Compress PDF and download the smaller file.

    Which level should I pick?

    Scanned documents and photo-heavy PDFs shrink the most, often by more than half at Balanced. Text-only PDFs are usually small already, so use Keep text for those.

    If a form has a strict size limit, try Balanced first and step up to Strong only if you still need a smaller file. Always open the result and check that it is readable before sending it.

    Frequently asked questions

    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.

    How does the compression work?

    Light, Balanced and Strong redraw each page as a lower-resolution image, which shrinks scanned documents and photo-heavy PDFs a lot. "Keep text" instead re-packs the file without changing its content, so it stays fully searchable but saves less.

    Why can I not select text after compressing?

    The Light, Balanced and Strong levels turn each page into an image, so the text is no longer selectable or searchable. Choose "Keep text" if you need to preserve it.

    What if the file does not get smaller?

    Some PDFs are already well optimised. In that case we tell you and keep your original rather than giving you a bigger file.

    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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