Compress PDF Online, Free

How to compress a PDF

1. Drop a PDF into the box above, or click to browse. One file at a time.
2. Click Compress. The tool rebuilds and optimizes the file in your browser.
3. Check the before and after sizes and the amount saved.
4. Download the smaller PDF, or send it straight to fax with the Send as Fax button.

If a PDF is already optimized, the tool tells you no further reduction was possible and leaves the original untouched.

Ways people use Compress PDF

• Shrink a scanned document so it clears an email attachment size limit.
• Reduce a PDF so it faxes cleanly without hitting a recipient size cap.
• Trim a file down to fit an upload form or portal that rejects large PDFs.
• Save space when archiving statements, invoices, or records.
• Speed up sharing a report over a slow or metered connection.

What kinds of PDFs compress best?

PDFs with embedded fonts, metadata, form fields, and duplicate object references see the biggest reductions. PDFs that are already highly optimized or made mostly of raw image data may see smaller gains. A PDF created from a Word document or full of text usually compresses well.

Compress a PDF so it faxes cleanly

Oversized files are a common cause of failed or partial faxes. Compress the PDF here, then click Send as Fax, enter the recipient's fax number, and hit send. A smaller file transmits faster and is less likely to be rejected. Two free faxes per month, up to 5 pages including cover, with no account required. Built for healthcare and legal fax workflows.