Reduce PDF Size

Create a smaller PDF copy by rebuilding each page as an image. Editable text becomes pixels, so the copy is not an editable-text replacement.

Free to use. No account required.

One PDF per runPDF onlyUp to 20 MBBrowser-side processing

The tool tries progressively smaller image settings and downloads a copy only if it is smaller than the original. A smaller result is not possible for every PDF.

Drop one PDF here or click to chooseOne file · PDF · up to 20 MB

Choose one PDF file to begin. The original will not be changed.

How PDF size reduction works

This browser tool renders each PDF page as a JPEG image and rebuilds a new PDF. It checks progressively lower image resolutions and quality settings, then saves the first copy that is smaller than the selected source file.

Because pages become images, editable and searchable text is not retained as text. Forms, links, vector graphics, and digital signatures are not preserved as their original PDF objects. Small type and fine lines can become harder to read. Open the copy and compare it with the original before using it.

The result depends on the file. If none of the generated copies is smaller than the original, the tool reports that no smaller copy was produced and does not download a larger file.

Use the smaller-copy tool

  1. Choose one PDF up to 20 MB.
  2. Run the tool to create an image-based copy.
  3. Open the downloaded file and check its size and readability.

There is no exact output-size setting. This tool is for reducing PDF file size when the source allows a smaller rasterized copy, not for hitting a specific kilobyte or megabyte value.

Frequently asked questions

Will PDF size reduction preserve selectable text?

No. The pages are rebuilt as images, so editable text becomes pixels and text search is not preserved.

Will this make every PDF smaller?

No. If the image-based copies are not smaller than the original, no output is downloaded.

Related PDF tools

PDF to Text can export selectable text before you create an image-based smaller copy.

Only process PDFs you own or are authorized to edit.