Paper / Compress PDF
Compress PDF
Shrink a PDF's file size by downsampling its images. We show you the exact savings before you save.
Drop a PDF here
or click to choose a file
How to compress a PDF
- 1. Drop a PDF onto the page.
- 2. Click Compress. We show the original and compressed sizes side by side.
- 3. If you like the result, click Download. If not, clear and try a different file.
How compression works here
Paper compresses by rasterizing each page to a reduced-resolution JPEG and rebuilding the PDF around those images. That's honest about the trade-off: text becomes part of the image instead of remaining selectable. For scans, statements, and image-heavy documents, savings are real and the result looks nearly identical. For text-heavy contracts you need to search later, skip this tool and use a different one — no compression is "free."
What happens to my file?
Nothing leaves your device. Compression runs in your browser; the original and compressed versions both stay in memory until you close the tab.
Limits
The free version gives you the "Balanced" preset, which handles the common case well. Paper Pro ($19 one-time) unlocks the quality slider and removes file size and page limits — see pricing.