PDF Compress works by re-rendering each page as a compressed JPEG image. This makes it exceptionally effective for PDFs that are already image-based — such as scanned documents, photo albums, brochures, and presentation exports.

For a typical scanned PDF, you can expect 50–80% file size reduction at quality 70, while the text remains clearly readable on screen and in print.

Note: if your PDF was generated directly from Word, Excel, or a code editor (pure vector text with no embedded images), compression gains will be limited or the file may even get slightly larger. This tool works by converting pages to JPEG images — it is most effective when the original content is already image-based.

This tool runs entirely in your browser. No file is ever sent to a server — your documents stay completely private on your device.

Unlike most online PDF compressors that apply a single setting to the whole file, this tool lets you control compression quality page by page.

For example: keep the cover page and key charts at quality 90 for a sharp impression, while compressing appendix pages or blank filler pages down to quality 40 to save space.

To adjust a single page, use the + / − buttons or type directly into the quality input below each thumbnail. Changes only affect that page.

To reset all pages to the same level, use the Global Quality slider or input at the top and click Apply to All. This overwrites all per-page settings at once.

The estimated total file size and compression ratio update in real time as you adjust any setting, so you always know the trade-off before compressing.

1. Click the upload area or drag and drop your PDF file onto it.

2. All pages are rendered as thumbnails automatically. Scroll through to review your document.

3. Use the Global Quality slider at the top to set a starting quality for all pages (75 is a good default).

4. Hover over any thumbnail and click the magnifier icon to preview that page at its current compression quality — this shows exactly what the final output will look like.

5. Fine-tune individual pages using the + / − controls or the number input below each thumbnail.

6. The top bar always shows the original file size, estimated compressed size, and compression percentage.

7. Click Compress PDF when you are satisfied. The compressed file appears in the download list below.

8. Each compression run creates a new download entry named with the current timestamp, so you can compare multiple attempts side by side.

9. Download links are temporary — they disappear when you refresh the page, so save your file before leaving.

Quality is a number from 1 to 100. It controls both the JPEG compression level and the rendering resolution of each page.

Quality 85–100: Near-original sharpness. Recommended for documents with fine text, technical diagrams, or content that will be printed.

Quality 60–84: Good balance between size and clarity. Suitable for most office documents, reports, and presentations shared digitally.

Quality 40–59: Noticeable compression. Text is still readable but fine details may soften. Good for appendices, drafts, or archival copies.

Quality 1–39: Aggressive compression. Best for thumbnails, previews, or pages where content is not critical.

Tip: hover over a thumbnail and click to open the full-size preview — this shows the actual compressed output at that quality level, not the original.

All PDF rendering and compression happens entirely inside your web browser using PDF.js and the HTML5 Canvas API.

No file data is transmitted to any server at any point. This makes the tool safe for confidential documents: contracts, medical records, financial statements, legal filings, and more.

Download links are temporary browser object URLs. They exist only in your current browser tab and are automatically released when you close or refresh the page.

No account, no sign-up, no email required. Open the page and start compressing immediately.

Does it work on mobile? Yes. The interface is fully responsive and works on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and other modern mobile browsers.

Is there a file size limit? There is no server-side limit. Very large PDFs (100+ pages or 100+ MB) may take longer to render depending on your device's memory and CPU.

Can I compress a password-protected PDF? No. Password-protected PDFs cannot be opened by the browser. Remove the password protection first using your PDF reader.

Why is my compressed file larger than the original? This can happen when the original PDF uses efficient vector graphics or already-compressed images. In that case, re-rendering as JPEG adds overhead. Try lowering the quality setting, or accept that this particular file is already well-optimized.

Can I compress the same PDF multiple times? Yes. Each click of Compress PDF generates a new download entry. You can try different quality settings and compare the results before deciding which to keep.

What happens to my files when I close the tab? All data is cleared immediately. Nothing is stored in the browser or on any server.