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.
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Compress PDF
scanned-report.pdf18.6 MB · PDF
Balanced compression
Upload a PDF to reduce size
This method rasterizes pages. Keep the original PDF if selectable text or links are required.
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 securely and automatically removed after conversion.
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 compression keeps pages sharper — a good choice for fine print, signatures, and handwritten notes. Balanced compression reduces size further while keeping everyday documents readable, and is the sensible starting point for most files. Strong compression is for strict size limits where a smaller file matters more than perfect sharpness.
Before compressing, remove pages the recipient does not need — blank pages, duplicate scans, and cover sheets add size without helping anyone. If you control the original scan, scanning in good light at 200-300 DPI gives the compressor cleaner input to work with than a crooked phone photo at a much higher resolution.
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.
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.
What PDF compression means
Compressing a PDF means reducing the file size while keeping the document usable. PDFs can become large because they contain high-resolution scans, camera photos, embedded fonts, detailed vector artwork, or duplicate image data. A smaller PDF is easier to upload, email, store, and open on slower connections.
Different compression methods have different tradeoffs. Some optimize images while preserving selectable text. Others flatten pages into images and rebuild the PDF. PDFPixel uses a browser-based raster compression approach so it can work without sending your file to a remote conversion server.
Best files for this compressor
This tool is most useful for scanned PDFs, photo-based PDFs, receipts, class handouts, application documents, and files where visual readability matters more than selectable text. If your PDF is made from camera images or scanned pages, raster compression can often reduce size significantly.
It is less useful for already optimized PDFs, text-only files, digitally signed documents, or files where links, forms, searchable text, bookmarks, and layers must be preserved. For those cases, use a professional PDF editor or an organization-approved document workflow.
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.
Choosing a compression level
Light compression keeps pages sharper and is a good first choice for documents with small text. Balanced compression is suitable for most upload tasks because it reduces size while keeping pages readable. Strong compression creates smaller files but can soften text and images, especially on detailed charts or fine print.
The output-size comparison tells you whether the result is smaller than the original. If the compressed file is not smaller, keep your original. Compression is a practical tool, not a guarantee, because every PDF is built differently.
How to keep documents readable
Start with a clean source. Scans with heavy shadows, blur, or low contrast become harder to read after compression. If you are scanning a document, use good lighting and align the page before creating the PDF. For official uploads, check the compressed file at 100 percent zoom and at mobile size before submitting it.
If the file contains signatures, IDs, stamps, or small numbers, try light or balanced compression first. Strong compression should be reserved for cases where a strict upload limit leaves no better option.
Privacy notes for compression
The browser reads the PDF, renders pages locally, and creates a new downloadable file. This supports a privacy-first workflow, but you should still treat sensitive documents carefully. Close shared computers after use, delete files from public devices, and keep the original document in a secure location.
Because this method rasterizes pages, it can change document behavior. Text selection, links, forms, and accessibility tagging may not survive. PDFPixel explains that limitation clearly so you can choose the correct tool for the job.
Real-world scenarios
How people use Compress PDF
Getting under an upload limit
Application portals often reject PDFs above a fixed size. Compress the file, compare the output size, then open the result to confirm names, dates, and signatures remain readable.
Emailing scanned packets
Scanned reports, invoices, and forms can become too large for email. Balanced compression is usually the best first attempt because it reduces size without pushing text too soft.
Creating a review copy
Use compression for a lightweight copy that is easy to send for review. Keep the original PDF as the archive when links, selectable text, forms, or accessibility tags matter.
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 selectable text and links may not be preserved. 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.