What this does
Online application forms often accept only small PDFs, such as 100 KB, 200 KB or 500 KB. Phone scans are usually much bigger.
Type the limit your form gives and the tool aims just under it, keeping the text as readable as possible.
Tips
- Scan in black & white when colour is not needed: it is the biggest saving.
- Combine several certificates into one file with Merge PDF first if the form asks for one PDF.
- If a file will not go small enough, check the page count: fewer pages means a smaller file.
How to use it
- Add your PDF
- Pick a level or type a target size
- Download the smaller PDF
Questions people ask
Will the portal reject a compressed PDF?
No. It is a normal PDF, just lighter. Check that it opens and reads well before you upload it.
What is the difference between Smart and Exact?
Smart shrinks the pictures inside your PDF and keeps text crisp. Exact turns each page into an optimised image so it can reach almost any size you type.
Why did my PDF barely shrink in Smart mode?
Text-only PDFs are already small. Use Exact mode if a portal demands a specific size.
Is Compress PDF really free?
Yes. Every PDFtoOne tool is free with no login, no daily limit and no watermark. The site is supported by ads.
Is there a file size limit?
We set no limit. Files are processed by your own device, so the only limit is its memory. Computers handle very large files; phones handle most everyday files easily.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Once you have used a tool, it keeps working without internet. You can also install PDFtoOne as an app.