What is PDF compression?

PDF compression is when you reduce the file size of your PDF. This can make it easier to send your PDF files online or over email as it takes up less space.

You can usually use a PDF Compressor to resize your PDFs. Then you’re ready to upload and share your files without the big data requirements.

Sound complicated? Trust us, it isn’t. Just drag and drop your PDF into Adobe’s free compressor tool to get started

How can I reduce the file size of a PDF document for free?

You can compress a PDF for free using Adobe’s online tools. Simply use the Select a file button on the page above to navigate to the file you want to compress. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your file into the box with the dotted outline. You can choose to compress your file in one of three compression levels – high, medium, or low, depending on your requirements.

How do I compress a PDF without losing quality?

Adobe online tools can compress PDF documents without compromising quality. Choosing a low compression level reduces the file size to approximately 1.0MB while retaining the highest quality settings. For even smaller files, you can select medium compression to reduce your PDF size to further. With ISO/IEC 27001 certification, you can rest assured your files are handled with security and integrity.

To find out more visit our guide on how to compress PDF to 1MB and lower. You can also try a 7-day free trial of Adobe Acrobat Pro and use precise optimisation tools.

What size PDFs can I compress?

Adobe online tools can compress PDF files up to 2GB using the compress PDF size tool – meaning even the biggest documents can be brought down to size.

How do I make a PDF smaller so I can upload it?

If you need to upload a large PDF to an online platform – for example, for a school or work project – you may need to make it smaller by reducing the file size. You can do this easily, and for free, using Adobe’s online tools. Remember to check the maximum file size for the platform you need to upload your PDF to so you can compress it to the correct size.

How do I check my PDF file size?

Our compress PDF tool will show you how large your file is after compression. Check the estimated file size before you click Compress when browsing compression level options. On Windows, you can also check file sizes by right-clicking on the file in your folder and selecting Properties. On Mac, you can do this my control-clicking the file and selecting Get Info.

How does PDF compression work?

PDF compression removes non-essential items such as embedded fonts, metadata or images, and optimises your files for efficiency and safety. It does this, without impacting your file’s readability while making it easier to share, save and store.

Will compression affect fonts or document quality?

Compressing your PDF can reduce the quality of images or video in extreme circumstances. However, your overall document quality, fonts and styles will not be affected. That means your document layout and design shouldn’t be impacted by the PDF Compressor.

Can I merge PDF files before compressing?

Yes, Adobe offers this functionality. Simply drag and drop your files into our online merger tool, and it will handle the rest. The tool can merge various file types, including JPG/JPEG, PNG, Word, and Excel files, once converted to PDF.

Can I compress a file on a mobile device?

Yes, you can easily upload files and drop files into our compressor from your mobile device, compatible with both iOS and Android.

Can I edit my PDF once it’s compressed?

Yes, you can use our PDF editor to make changes to your PDF with advanced editing features, such as adding text, changing fonts, adding comments, highlights, and more.

Are Adobe online tools free?

Yes, Adobe online tools are free to use. They enable you to convert files from one format to another or compress file sizes. To use the tools, go to one of the pages – for example, PDF to Word or Excel to PDF – and follow the simple instructions before downloading your converted or compressed file. Want to share the file? You’ll need to sign up to a free Adobe account.