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PDF Compressor

Make PDFs smaller for email and uploads. Text stays sharp.

Private — files never leave your device. Your file is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to SomethingTools.

or drop files hereUp to 20 PDFs, 100 MB each

Your file is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to SomethingTools.

PDF Compressor at a glance

Price
Free
Sign-up
Not needed
Privacy
Files are processed in your browser, not uploaded
Input
PDF up to 100 MB each
Typical saving
30–90% for scanned or photo PDFs
Batch
Up to 20 files, .zip download
Last updated
9 October 2026

What it can do

  • Reduce PDF file size for email and upload limits
  • Text, links and vector graphics stay sharp and selectable
  • Three levels: Light, Recommended and Strong
  • Compress up to 20 PDFs at once
  • Never makes a file bigger

Help & FAQ

How to use the PDF Compressor

How to compress a PDF

  1. Choose one or more PDF files, or drop them onto the box.
  2. Pick a compression level. Recommended works for most files.
  3. Select Compress, then download each file or all of them as a .zip.

How it works

Photos and scans are re-saved as efficient JPEG images at a sensible resolution (up to 3000, 2000 or 1400 pixels on the long side, depending on the level). Uncompressed data is compressed, and leftover objects from earlier edits are removed. Text, fonts and vector graphics are left untouched, and each image is only replaced if the new version is clearly smaller.

Need to merge, split or convert the PDF as well? Use the PDF Converter. To make photos smaller before putting them in a PDF, use the Image Compressor.

Are my PDFs uploaded to a server?

No. Compression runs inside your browser using open-source libraries (pdf-lib and fflate). Your files never reach SomethingTools, and nothing is stored after you close the page.

Will the text get blurry?

No. Pages are never turned into pictures, so text, links, form fields and vector drawings stay exactly as they were — sharp and selectable. Only photos and scanned images inside the PDF are made smaller.

Which level should I choose?

Recommended suits most documents: photos and scans stay clear on screen and in print, and the file is usually much smaller. Choose Light if you need maximum image quality, or Strong to fit strict email or upload limits.

Why didn't my PDF get much smaller?

PDFs made mostly of text are usually already small, because text takes very little space. The biggest savings come from scanned documents and PDFs with photos. If a PDF can't be reduced, you get the original back — it never gets bigger.

Does it work with password-protected PDFs?

No. Open the PDF in your reader with the password, save an unprotected copy, and compress that copy.

Is there a size limit?

Each PDF can be up to 100 MB, and you can compress up to 20 at once. Very large files can be slow on phones, because all the work is done by your device.