Free tool • No signup • Private
Compress PDF free — shrink it in seconds
Drop a PDF below, choose a compression level, and download a smaller file. Runs 100% in your browser — nothing is uploaded, so it's safe for contracts, forms, and personal documents.
Drop your PDF here
or click to choose • max 100 MB, 100 pages
100% private — processing happens in your browser, files never leave your device. Best for scanned/image PDFs; pages are re-saved as optimized images so selectable text becomes part of the image.
How to compress a PDF
Drop your PDF
Drag & drop or click to choose. Up to 100 MB and 100 pages per file.
Pick a level
High for best readability, Balanced for everyday savings, Strong for the smallest file.
Download
Press Compress, watch the page progress, then download your smaller PDF.
Why compress here?
Free, no watermark
Unlimited use within fair limits. No account, no email, no surprise fees.
Private by design
Server-side tools upload your file. This one never leaves your device.
Works everywhere
Any modern browser on Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android — nothing to install.
Popular uses for PDF compression
Fit email limits
Shrink scans and contracts to slide under 10–25 MB attachment caps without zipping.
Job & visa applications
Portals often cap uploads at a few MB — compress certificates and IDs to pass first try.
Faster sharing
Smaller files upload, download, and open faster on phones and slow connections.
Frequently asked questions
Is this PDF compressor really free?
Yes — compress as many PDFs as you like (up to 100 MB and 100 pages each). No account, no watermark, no email required.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. Compression runs entirely in your browser with JavaScript. Your PDF never leaves your device, which makes it safer than server-side tools for sensitive documents.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
Scanned and image-heavy PDFs often shrink 50–80% on Balanced. Already-optimized or text-only PDFs shrink less — try Strong compression if Balanced barely changes the size.
Will compression hurt quality?
High preserves readability best; Balanced stays crisp for most uses; Strong gives the smallest file with softer text. Pick per file — contracts and forms usually look great on Balanced.
Is there anything the tool can't do?
Pages are re-saved as optimized images, so selectable text becomes part of the image and very large files (over 100 MB / 100 pages) aren't supported. Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first.
How do I compress a PDF for email attachments?
Drop the PDF, choose Balanced, and download — most email limits (10–25 MB) are easy to hit after 50–80% savings on scanned files. If it's still too big, run it once more on Strong.
What do I do after compressing?
Download the smaller PDF, then open it in SimpleSign on iPhone to sign, annotate, or back it up to Google Drive.
Related free tools
Need to sign it next?
Open your compressed PDF in SimpleSign on iPhone — free e-signature, scanner, and Google Drive backup.