Exam1st

Compress PDF Online for Free

Make a PDF smaller, completely free, so it is easier to upload, email or share. Choose a light clean-up that keeps your text, or a stronger setting, or simply type the size you need and the quality is adjusted to fit. It works in your browser, so your file is never uploaded to a server.

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How to use Compress PDF

  1. Click "Choose a PDF file" or drag your PDF into the box.
  2. Pick a level. "Light" keeps text selectable, "Balanced" and "Strong" give much smaller files, and "Target size" aims for a size you type, such as 200 KB.
  3. Press "Compress PDF", check the new size, and download the file.

Why use this tool

Four ways to compress

Light keeps your text and removes unused data. Balanced and Strong turn pages into compressed images for a much smaller file. Target size picks the quality for you so the file fits the limit you give.

Target a size, such as 200 KB

Many upload forms and email systems limit file size. Type the limit and the tool lowers quality only as much as needed to fit it.

Private by design

Compression happens inside your browser. Your PDF stays on your device and is never sent to Exam1st or anyone else.

You see the result first

The tool shows the old and new size and how much smaller it is. If the result is not smaller, it says so and your original is not changed.

Free, no sign-up

No account, no watermark and no payment.

When is it useful?

  • Fit a document under the file size limit of an online application or upload form.
  • Make a scanned certificate, ID or form small enough to email.
  • Shrink a PDF made from phone photos so it uploads faster on mobile data.
  • Reduce a large past paper or notes PDF before sharing it in a group.

Frequently asked questions

Is this PDF compressor free?

Yes, it is completely free to use. There is no sign-up, no watermark on your file and no payment, and you can compress as many PDFs as you like. It runs in your browser, so there is no per-file charge.

How do I reduce the size of a PDF?

Choose your PDF, pick a level and press Compress PDF. Light removes unused data and keeps your text. Balanced and Strong convert pages to compressed images for much bigger savings. If you need a specific size, use Target size and type it in.

How do I compress a PDF to 200 KB, 500 KB or 1 MB?

Choose Target size, type the size or tap one of the 200 KB, 500 KB or 1 MB buttons, then compress. The tool lowers the image quality step by step until the file fits. If it cannot reach the size without becoming unreadable, it tells you the smallest size it could make.

Will the quality get worse?

Light keeps quality exactly as it is but saves little. Balanced, Strong and Target size lower the image quality of the pages to save space. Balanced keeps pages clear for reading and printing, while Strong and very small targets make pages look softer.

Can I still select and copy the text after compressing?

Only with the Light level. Balanced, Strong and Target size turn each page into an image, so the text looks the same but cannot be selected, searched or copied. Keep your original file if you need the text.

Why did my PDF not get smaller?

Some PDFs, especially ones with only text, are already very small, and there is little left to remove. If the new file is not smaller, the tool tells you and does not change your original. A scanned or photo PDF usually compresses much more than a text PDF.

Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?

No. Your file is read and compressed on your own device using your browser. Nothing is sent to a server, so it is safe to use with private documents.

My PDF is still too big. What can I do?

Remove pages you do not need with the Split PDF tool and compress again. Fewer pages mean a smaller file, and each remaining page can keep better quality.

Is there a limit on file size or pages?

The image levels handle up to 200 pages at a time. Because everything runs in your browser, the real limit is your device memory, so large files are easier on a computer than on a phone.

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