Reduce PDF file size, free
Scanned PDFs are secretly photo albums — every page a full-resolution image, which is why a ten-page scan can weigh 80MB. This compressor re-renders each page at a saner resolution and JPEG quality so the same pages cost a fraction of the bytes, with live before/after numbers so you see exactly what each setting buys. Text-born PDFs that are already tiny get an honest warning instead of a bigger file.
How to shrink a PDF
- 1Drop your PDF and note the "Before" size — scans have the most to gain.
- 2Pick resolution, then quality 110 DPI at 70% suits screens; drop either control to push smaller.
- 3Download the lighter file. Check "Saved %" — that's your win, ready for email or upload.
Maximum shrink, minimum pain
Scans shrink most
Image-born pages routinely drop 70–90%. Vector/text PDFs are already lean — expect little.
Match resolution to use
Screen reading needs ~110 DPI; anything destined for a printer deserves 150 DPI.
Bigger result? Stop.
If output exceeds input, the source was already optimized — the tool tells you plainly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reduce a PDF's size?
Drop it above, pick a resolution and quality, hit Compress. Pages re-render smaller while keeping their dimensions.
Why is my scanned PDF so huge?
Scanners save full-resolution images per page. Re-rendering them at screen resolution deletes most of the weight.
Will text stay sharp?
At 110 DPI and 70% quality, yes for reading. Print-bound files should stay at 150 DPI.
Are my files uploaded?
No — everything renders locally in your browser.