Compress a PDF
Add a PDF and choose either a quality level or a target file size. This tool works by turning each page into a picture, which shrinks scans dramatically — and removes selectable text, so it tells you what your document contains before you commit.
Add a PDF to continue.
How to use compress pdf
- Select a PDF, or drag it onto the upload area.
- Read the note about what your document contains — it says whether text will be lost.
- Choose a quality preset, or switch to target mode and enter a file size.
- Select Compress PDF, check the reported before and after sizes, then download.
Supported files and limits
- Formats
- File size
- 100 MB
- Batch
- One file, up to 300 pages
What happens to your files
This tool runs inside your browser tab. Your files are read by the page, processed on your own device, and never sent to Docstools. Closing or reloading the page clears them from memory. Read the full privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
How does this compression work?
Each page is rendered to an image, and those images are assembled into a new PDF at the original page dimensions. That is why it is so effective on scans: a scanned page is already a picture, and this re-encodes it far more efficiently.
Will I lose my text?
Yes, if the document has any. Once a page is a picture, the text in it cannot be selected, searched, copied or read aloud by a screen reader. The tool examines your document when you add it and warns you plainly when it contains real text. Always keep your original.
Why did my file get bigger instead of smaller?
Because a text document stored as text is already extremely compact, and a picture of that text is not. If that happens, the result says so and advises keeping the original rather than presenting the larger file as a success.
Can I compress to an exact size, such as 500 KB?
Yes, using target mode. Docstools repeatedly rebuilds the document at different qualities and resolutions, searching for the best-looking version that fits your budget. If the target cannot be reached at a usable quality, it says so rather than missing quietly.
Why is this slower than other tools?
Every page is rendered in your browser rather than on a server, and target mode rebuilds the whole document several times to find the right settings. The trade is that your file never leaves your device.
Does this reduce quality?
Yes, by design — that is how the size comes down. The presets describe the tradeoff: Light keeps detail, Strong produces the smallest file and is visibly softer. Check the result before sending it on.