Compress PDF Online
Reduce the size of a scanned or image-heavy PDF in your browser. Choose a quality level, create a new PDF copy, and download it when you are happy with the result.
Make a smaller PDF copy
Your file stays on this device while the tool renders its pages and rebuilds them as compressed images. This works best for scans, phone photos, and image-based documents.
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When this PDF compressor helps
A PDF made from a phone scan or a photographed document often carries large image data on every page. Rebuilding those pages at a sensible resolution and JPEG quality can make the attachment easier to email or upload. The result is especially useful when a portal has a tight file-size limit and the document is mainly visual.
This is not the right first choice for a compact PDF containing mostly selectable text, forms, signatures, vector diagrams, or tiny technical lettering. Those files may already be efficiently stored. If the new copy is larger or less clear, keep your original instead.
Need a practical checklist? Read how to reduce a scanned PDF file size before uploading for a safe order of checks and realistic quality choices.
Choose a compression level
Smaller file
Uses lower page detail and stronger JPEG compression. Try it for ordinary scans when the upload limit is strict, then inspect names, dates, and stamps.
Balanced
The practical default for application scans and photographed paperwork. It keeps moderate detail while targeting a lighter attachment.
Better quality
Uses more page detail and gentler compression. Select it when small print or image clarity matters more than maximum savings.
How to reduce a PDF file size
- Choose your PDF. Select a non-password-protected PDF from your device.
- Pick a level. Start with Balanced for a scan or photographed form.
- Create the new copy. The page counter will show progress while the browser processes each page locally.
- Compare before downloading. The tool shows original and output sizes. Download only if the result is useful for your upload.
- Open the downloaded file. Check page count, readability, orientation, and any essential small text before sharing it.
A practical example
Suppose you have a six-page phone scan for a job, school, visa, or account application. Upload the PDF, use Balanced, and wait for the generated copy. If its size drops and all text remains readable, use that copy for the portal. If it does not shrink enough, test Smaller file and inspect the important areas again. Do not overwrite the source document while deciding.
Privacy and limits
The compression work happens in the browser on the device you are using; ToolMixo does not upload your chosen file for this tool. Processing speed depends on your device, the number of pages, and how detailed the pages are. Password-protected, damaged, and very large PDFs may not open. For a sensitive document, check the downloaded copy locally before sending it anywhere.
PDF Compress FAQ
Will every PDF become smaller?
No. Image-heavy scans often benefit most. A small text-only or vector PDF can already be optimized, and an image-based rebuild can make it larger.
Does it keep editable text and links?
Not reliably. The tool turns pages into compressed images inside a new PDF, so selectable text, links, layers, form fields, and similar document features can be lost.
Are my PDF pages uploaded to a server?
No. The selected file is processed in your browser. The original stays on your device unless you choose to share it elsewhere.
Why does the new PDF look slightly softer?
Smaller files require less image detail or stronger JPEG compression. Choose Better quality if small print needs more clarity, or keep the original if the result is not acceptable.
Can I compress a password-protected PDF?
Use an unlocked copy first. This browser tool cannot process a PDF that needs a password.