How to use the Compress PDF tool
- Drop the PDF you want to shrink.
- Choose Strong for the biggest saving (pages are re-rendered as optimized images) or Basic (lossless) for structural optimization only.
- Click Compress PDF and compare the sizes.
- Download the smaller PDF.
How PDF compression works here
Most large PDFs are large because of the pictures inside them: scanned pages, photos and screenshots. Strong mode re-renders every page as an optimized JPEG image at a sensible resolution, which typically makes scanned and image-heavy documents dramatically smaller. The trade-off is that text in the result is no longer selectable.
Basic mode keeps everything exactly as it is and only rebuilds the file structure, removing unused objects and packing the rest efficiently. It is lossless, so savings are smaller, but text stays selectable and vectors stay crisp.
Both modes run inside your browser. Your document is never uploaded, which matters for contracts, statements and IDs.
Why use Everytoool's Compress PDF?
Our free Compress PDF tool helps with contracts, reports, invoices and school work in just a few clicks. Reduce PDF file size for email and upload limits — choose strong or lossless compression. It is handy for office workers, students, teachers and freelancers.
Privacy is built in: the work happens on your own device, so nothing is sent over the internet or stored anywhere. When you close the page, it is gone.
Tips for the best results
- Give the finished file a clear name before emailing it.
- Scanned PDFs are images of text, so text tools cannot read them.
- Use Compress PDF if the result is too big for an email attachment.
You may also find these free tools useful: Rotate PDF, Merge PDF, Word to PDF.
More questions about Compress PDF
Does Compress PDF work on my phone?
Yes. It works in any modern browser on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux — nothing to install.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything is processed on your device inside the browser, so it stays private.
Do I need to create an account?
No account is needed. Open the page and use the tool straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Will my text still be selectable?
With Basic mode, yes — nothing is changed except the file structure. With Strong mode pages become images, so text is no longer selectable.
Can I compress password-protected PDFs?
Remove the password first in your PDF reader, then compress the unlocked copy.
Is the Compress PDF tool really free?
Yes — completely free, forever. There is no sign-up, no payment, no watermark and no daily limit.