What do the levels mean?

Less keeps the best quality, Recommended balances size and clarity, and Extreme makes the smallest possible file.

Is compressing a PDF free?

Yes, it's completely free with no watermark.

Yes. Compression happens entirely in your browser, so your PDF never leaves your device.

Compress PDF files to reduce size while keeping quality. Make PDFs smaller for email and uploads — free and online.

Drop a PDF to compress

Reduce file size for email and uploads

Drop the PDF you want to make smaller.

Choose less, recommended or extreme compression.

Get a lighter PDF that's easy to email and upload.

It depends on the file, but image-heavy and scanned PDFs often shrink by 40–80% while staying clearly readable.