PDFflow
Menu
en

Compress a PDF

Most of the size of a heavy PDF is in its pictures: scanned pages and photos. PDFflow redraws them at a resolution that still reads well and saves them more efficiently, so the file fits into an email or an upload form. Text, vector graphics and fonts stay as they are. Everything happens locally: the PDF is not uploaded to PDFflow servers.

Local browser processing — files stay in this browser

Upload a PDF and make it smaller

Your PDF is read and processed directly in this browser. PDFflow does not upload the document, file name or page contents to its servers.

File limit
50 MB
Processing
This browser
No PDF selected yet.

By using this tool, you agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.

How it works

  1. Choose one PDF under 50 MB.
  2. Pick a level: light keeps the most detail, strong makes the smallest file.
  3. Compress, compare the sizes and download the smaller copy.

How files are handled

Your PDF is read and compressed directly in this browser. PDFflow does not upload the document, file name or page contents to its servers.

Typical uses

  • Fit a scanned contract or application under an email or portal size limit.
  • Shrink a PDF of phone photos or a photo-heavy presentation.
  • Save space when archiving scanned documents.

Limitations

  • Scans and photos shrink well; PDFs that are mostly text are usually already compact and get little smaller.
  • Black-and-white scan formats (JBIG2, CCITT), CMYK print images and images with special colour spaces are kept as they are.
  • Encrypted and password-protected PDFs are not supported. Digital signatures do not survive compression.

Compress PDF FAQ

Is my PDF uploaded to compress it?

No. Compression runs in your browser with the selected file. PDFflow does not send the PDF, its file name or its contents to any server.

How much smaller will my PDF get?

It depends on what is inside. Scanned documents and photo-heavy files often shrink to a half or a fifth of their size. PDFs that are mostly text are usually already compact; if a file cannot be made noticeably smaller, PDFflow tells you instead of offering a copy that is barely different.

Which level should I choose?

Recommended suits most documents: scans stay easy to read and print. Light keeps more detail for photos you may want to zoom into. Strong makes the smallest file and is good for viewing on screen and for strict upload limits.

Will the text stay sharp and searchable?

Yes. Only pictures are redrawn; text, lines and fonts are not changed, so text stays sharp, selectable and searchable.

Is Compress PDF free?

Yes. It is free, with no account, sign-up, watermark or daily limit.

Can I compress a password-protected PDF?

No. Encrypted or password-protected PDFs are not supported and are not bypassed.

Related PDF tools