PDF Compress
Upload a PDF, choose a compression level, and download the compressed file. Processing runs locally in your browser.
Key Features
- pdf compress
- compress pdf
- reduce pdf size
- pdf optimizer
- shrink pdf
Compress PDF files online
This PDF compression tool reduces file size through lightweight optimization. It removes metadata (like author, title, and creation date) and uses efficient object streams to shrink the PDF. Processing happens locally in your browser, so your documents aren’t uploaded for compression.
Compression levels
Light
Removes metadata only. This is the fastest option and works well when metadata removal alone is enough to reduce size.
Medium (recommended)
Removes metadata and uses object streams. This is a good balance between compression and processing time. Most PDFs see some size reduction with this setting.
Heavy
Same as medium. True deep compression would require recompressing embedded images and fonts, which isn’t supported in browser-based tools. For maximum compression, consider using desktop software that can recompress images.
What affects compression results
PDF compression effectiveness depends on the file’s structure. PDFs with lots of metadata, uncompressed objects, or redundant data compress better. PDFs that are already optimized, or that rely heavily on embedded images, may see less reduction (or even a slight increase if object streams add overhead).
Privacy and performance
Compression runs client-side and only loads the PDF engine when you click compress. This keeps the page fast and avoids uploading sensitive documents to a server for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about how this tool works.
Does this PDF compressor upload my file?
No. The PDF is processed locally in your browser for compression.
Why didn’t my PDF get smaller?
Some PDFs are already optimized or rely on embedded images that can’t be recompressed in the browser. The tool removes metadata and uses object streams, which helps but may not always reduce size.
What’s the difference between compression levels?
Light removes metadata only. Medium and Heavy also use object streams. True deep compression (recompressing images) requires desktop software.
Will this work on mobile?
Yes, though very large PDFs can be slower on mobile devices. If it’s slow, try the Light compression level first.
Does compression remove metadata?
Yes, if the “Remove metadata” option is enabled (recommended). This can improve privacy and reduce file size.