Compress PDF
Compress PDF files online for free. Reduce PDF file size with three compression levels, for one file or several at once.
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How to Compress a PDF File
PDF too big to email or upload? ToolifyPDF is a free online PDF compressor that reduces PDF file size in seconds, right in your browser. Choose Extreme Compression for the smallest file, Balanced Compression for everyday sharing, or High Quality when detail matters. Images are resized and recompressed while your text stays sharp, and if a file can't be made smaller, you get your original back unchanged. Compress up to 10 PDF files at once, with no sign-up, no watermark, and no software to install.
Three Compression Levels
Extreme Compression gives the smallest file for email and uploads, Balanced Compression keeps documents crisp for everyday sharing, and High Quality keeps full image detail with a lighter reduction.
Smaller Files, Sharp Text
Images are resized and recompressed, while text and vector graphics stay sharp and searchable. Compress up to 10 PDF files at once, up to 200MB each.
How to Compress a PDF File
- Select Files: Click "Select Files" or drag and drop your PDF files into the box.
- Choose a Level: Pick Extreme Compression, Balanced Compression, or High Quality.
- Compress: Click "Compress PDF" to reduce your file size.
- Download: Click "Download" to save your compressed PDF. Several files are downloaded together in a ZIP file.
Compress PDF on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android
ToolifyPDF works in any modern browser. You can compress PDF files on Windows, Mac, MacBook Air, Linux, iPhone, iPad, or Android without installing software. It works in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.
Why Compress PDF Files with ToolifyPDF?
Unlike Acrobat and other desktop software that require a license and installation, ToolifyPDF compresses PDF files online from any device, anywhere. Our free PDF compressor is perfect for:
- Making PDF files small enough to attach to an email
- Meeting upload size limits on job, school, and government websites
- Shrinking scanned documents and photo-heavy PDF files
- Saving storage space on your computer and in the cloud
- Sharing reports and presentations faster
FAQ
How do I compress a PDF file?
Upload your PDF, choose a compression level, and click "Compress PDF". Then click "Download" to save the smaller file. Balanced Compression is selected by default and works well for most documents.
Can I compress a PDF for free with no sign-up?
Yes. ToolifyPDF is completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. You can compress up to 10 PDF files at once, up to 200MB each.
Which compression level should I choose?
Choose Extreme Compression when file size matters most, such as for email attachments or upload limits; images are reduced to 90 DPI, so expect some visible quality loss. Balanced Compression (150 DPI) is best for everyday sharing. High Quality keeps images at full detail, so the reduction is lighter.
Can I compress a PDF to 1MB?
There's no exact target size, because the result depends on what's inside your PDF. For the smallest file, choose Extreme Compression. If the PDF is still too big, split it into smaller files with Split PDF or remove pages you don't need.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on the content. PDF files with photos, scans, or large images usually shrink a lot, while PDF files that are mostly text are often already small and shrink less. If compression can't make your file smaller, you get your original file back unchanged.
Does compressing a PDF reduce quality?
Text and vector graphics stay sharp and searchable, because only images are resized and recompressed. Extreme Compression can make images look softer; choose High Quality if image detail matters.
How do I compress a PDF on Mac?
On a Mac or MacBook Air, Preview can reduce file size through File > Export with the "Reduce File Size" Quartz filter, but it gives you no control and often lowers quality a lot. With ToolifyPDF, open the site in Safari or any browser, choose a compression level, and compress up to 10 PDF files at once.
How do I compress a PDF on iPhone?
Open ToolifyPDF in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, tap "Select Files" to choose a PDF from Files, then tap "Compress PDF" and download the smaller file. No app is needed.
Can I compress multiple PDF files into one?
You can compress up to 10 PDF files at once and download them in a ZIP file. To get a single file, combine your PDF files with Merge PDF first, then compress the merged PDF here.
Can I compress a password-protected PDF?
Yes. You'll be asked for the password when you upload the file. The compressed PDF is saved without the password, so use Protect PDF if you want to add one again.
Advanced Features
Beyond basic compression, our PDF compressor offers several advanced features:
- Three Compression Levels: Extreme (90 DPI images), Balanced (150 DPI), or High Quality (full image detail).
- Sharp Text: Text and vector graphics are kept as they are, so they stay crisp and searchable.
- Never Bigger: If a file can't be made smaller, your original is returned unchanged.
- Large Files: Compress PDF files up to 200MB each.
- Password-Protected PDF Files: Unlock protected PDF files with their password and compress them.
- Batch Compression: Compress up to 10 PDF files at once and download them in a ZIP file.
💡 Pro Tip
Start with Balanced Compression and check the result. If the file is still too big for your email or upload limit, try Extreme Compression. For PDF files you plan to print, use High Quality so photos keep their detail.
Privacy & Security
We take your privacy seriously. All file uploads and processing happen over encrypted HTTPS connections. Your files are automatically deleted from our servers after one hour, and we never store or share your documents with third parties. You maintain complete control over your data at all times.
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