Reduce PDF File Size
An email bounces because the attachment is too big, or an application portal only accepts files up to 2 MB. In most large PDFs, the size comes from photos and scanned pages – and that is exactly where the file can be made smaller.
Choose your PDF and a compression level. Images are optimized in your browser, while text and layout stay as they are.
Your files stay on your device. Conversions run in your browser.
Works best with PDFs that contain photos or scanned pages. PDFs with only text are often already small.
Your files stay on your device. Conversions run in your browser.
- No signup required
- Files stay on your device
- Browser-based conversion
- Fast download
- Free to use
Why some PDFs are so large
Text needs very little space in a PDF. Photos, scans and screenshots are what make files heavy, especially when they were added at full camera resolution. Reducing the size means re-encoding these images more efficiently, which keeps them clear on screen but takes much less space.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
- Scanned documents and PDFs with many photos usually shrink a lot.
- PDFs that are mostly text are often already small and change little.
- If a PDF is already well optimized, the tool tells you instead of producing a larger file.
- A stronger level saves more space; check the result if images contain small print.
Other ways to get under a size limit
If the file is still too big, split it into smaller parts or remove pages you don't need with the PDF editor, then send the parts separately.
Privacy: your files stay on your device
Your files stay on your device. Conversions run in your browser. PDFConvertFast never uploads, stores or reads your documents – there is no server that receives them, no account and no email address.
- Your files stay on your device
- No signup required
- Browser-based conversion
Reduce PDF size – questions and answers
How do I reduce the size of a PDF?
Choose your PDF, pick a compression level and click “Compress PDF”. Then download the smaller file.
Will the text become blurry?
No. Only images inside the PDF are optimized. Text and vector graphics stay sharp and selectable.
Why did my PDF hardly get smaller?
PDFs that consist mainly of text or are already optimized have little to save. The biggest savings come from PDFs with photos or scanned pages.
Can I make a PDF small enough for email?
Often yes, especially with scanned documents. If it is still too large, split the PDF or remove pages you don't need before sending.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The PDF is compressed in your browser and stays on your device.