How to reduce PDF file size without unnecessary quality loss
A large PDF can be difficult to email or upload. The right compression level depends on whether the file contains scans, photographs, or mostly text.
Step-by-step advice
Start by checking the current file size and whether your document is already optimized. If it contains scanned pages, image compression may help substantially. Try balanced compression first, then open the output and inspect small text, diagrams, and photographs. If the document must be printed, prefer higher-quality settings. Keep your original file until you have confirmed that the compressed copy opens and looks correct.
What to watch for
A PDF containing mostly text may already be compact. Compressing it again may produce little improvement. Password protection and advanced forms can also limit what a tool can process.
Try it yourself
Use our free Compress PDF tool to complete this task.