PDFPixel

Make Large PDFs Easier to Send

Reduce PDF size in your browser by creating a lighter copy. Best for scanned or image-heavy files that need to fit an upload limit.

FreeNo signupBrowser processingLocal file processing

Upload a PDF to reduce size

This method rebuilds pages as JPEG pictures. It removes searchable text, links, interactive forms, accessibility tags, and cryptographic signatures. The output may be larger; keep your original.

Only process files you own, created yourself, or have permission to modify. Do not upload copyrighted, illegal, harmful, or infringing material.

Drag and drop your PDF here

Best for scanned and image-heavy PDFs.

or drop files here
Supported format: PDFMax file size: 100 MB
Advanced settings

Files are processed in browser memory. Reset releases preview links; downloaded files stay on your device.

How This Tool Compresses Your PDF

This tool uses a browser-based raster workflow: it renders each page, captures the visible result, compresses that page image, and writes the pages into a new PDF. That makes it strongest for scanned or image-heavy PDFs, which are already visual in nature. It is less suited to PDFs where selectable text, clickable links, form fields, or accessibility tagging must survive — keep your original PDF for those cases, since this workflow flattens pages into images.

The compression level controls how much detail is retained rather than just crushing every page to the smallest possible image. Light uses render scale 1.4 and JPEG quality 0.82; Balanced uses 1.15 and 0.72; Strong uses 0.9 and 0.62. Lower resolution can soften small text. Every level can increase bytes for an already efficient PDF. The original page dimensions are preserved, but text, links, forms, accessibility structure, and cryptographic signatures are removed.

If allowed, remove unnecessary pages in an approved editor first; PDFPixel does not remove pages. For a new scan, follow the receiving organization’s resolution and color requirements and check readability before converting.

Always open the compressed output before sending it. Check names, dates, signatures, and any small text that matters — a smaller file is not a success if a reviewer cannot read the result. If strong compression looks too soft, drop to balanced or light and remove unnecessary pages instead of pushing the compression harder.

Try another tool

PDF to JPGExport selected document pages as clear image files.JPG to PDFPackage photos, scans, or screenshots into one ordered document.Resize ImageCreate smaller image copies with practical width and quality controls.Compress PDFShrink scanned or image-heavy PDFs while checking readability.Current

By Zain Haidar · Last updated: October 10, 2026

Best use cases

When this tool helps most

Shrink scanned PDFs before submitting forms or applications.

Reduce large image-heavy reports for email attachments.

Create a smaller copy while keeping the original PDF as backup.

Tips for better results

Before you download

  • Start with balanced compression, then use stronger settings only if needed.
  • Review the compressed copy before submitting it to a portal.
  • Keep the original PDF when selectable text or precise layout matters.
Troubleshooting

Common problems and practical fixes

The output is not smaller

The PDF may already be optimized or mostly text. Keep the original if the compressed version is larger or loses useful document behavior.

Text is too soft after compression

Use light or balanced compression and remove unnecessary pages instead of forcing strong compression. Always inspect small numbers and signatures before submitting.

Links or selectable text disappeared

This compressor rasterizes pages, so document features may not survive. Use a professional PDF optimizer when links, forms, tags, or searchable text must be preserved.

Safety note

Keep the original until the result is accepted

Online file preparation can change format behavior, image quality, metadata, links, page order, or text selection. Save the original file, inspect the downloaded result, and follow the rules of the school, employer, client, portal, or public office receiving the file. For legal, medical, financial, or regulated records, use the workflow required by that organization.

Frequently asked questions

Will compression always make my PDF smaller?

No. Some PDFs are already optimized. PDFPixel compares the output size so you can decide whether the compressed copy is useful.

Does compression preserve selectable text?

This browser compression method rasterizes pages into images, so searchable text, links, interactive forms, accessibility tags, and cryptographic signatures are removed. Keep the original PDF if text selection matters.

When should I use strong compression?

Use strong compression only when file size is more important than visual sharpness, such as meeting a strict upload limit.

Why did my compressed PDF get larger?

Some PDFs are already optimized or mostly text. Raster compression can add image data in those cases, so compare sizes and keep the original if the output is not helpful.

Is this good for signed or fillable PDFs?

Use caution. This method can flatten pages and remove document behavior. If signatures, form fields, links, or searchable text must remain active, use an approved PDF editor instead.

How should I check the compressed result?

Open the downloaded PDF, zoom into small text, confirm page edges are visible, and verify names, dates, ID numbers, stamps, and signatures before uploading or emailing it.

Related guides

Helpful reading for this workflow

Compress a PDF for EmailReduce PDF File Size for UploadWhy Is My PDF File So Big?
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