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Compress PDF - Reduce PDF File Size Online Free

Reduce PDF file size by removing redundant data and optimising structure.

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Compression Complete

How to Compress PDF Files Online

Large PDF files can cause problems with email attachment limits, slow portal uploads, and storage constraints. Our free PDF compressor reduces file sizes by up to 70%, making documents easier to share and manage without sacrificing the quality you need.

Two Compression Methods

Client-side compression processes your PDF entirely within your browser — the file never leaves your device. Server-side compression sends the file to our processing server for more advanced optimisation including embedded image recompression, typically achieving significantly greater size reductions.

Adjustable Compression Levels

Light

Minimal size reduction, near-original quality. Best for portfolios and photography PDFs. Image quality set to 80%.

Medium

Balanced reduction for most documents. Default setting at 60% image quality. Ideal for reports and business documents.

Aggressive

Maximum reduction. Best when file size is the priority — email limits, strict size caps. Image quality at 40%.

Custom Quality

Fine-tune the image quality slider from 5% to 95%. Real-time stats show original size, compressed size, and percentage reduction.

What Gets Compressed

Compression targets the document's internal structure and embedded images. Text, fonts, vector graphics, and page layout are never altered. Consider splitting out unnecessary pages before compressing to maximise reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I reduce a PDF file size?

Results vary by content. PDFs with many embedded images can be reduced by up to 70% using aggressive compression. Text-heavy PDFs may see reductions of 5–20%. Server-side compression typically delivers better results.

What is the difference between client-side and server compression?

Client-side processes the file in your browser — your PDF never leaves your device. Server compression sends the file for more advanced optimisation, usually achieving greater size reduction.

Will compressing a PDF reduce image or text quality?

Text quality is never affected. For embedded images, the quality slider lets you control detail vs file size. The Light compression level keeps images near-original quality.

Can I compress a PDF without losing formatting?

Yes. Compression optimises internal file structure and image sizes without altering page layout, fonts, or formatting. Your compressed PDF will look identical to the original.