Compress PDF.
Optimize the structure of a PDF to reduce its file size without rasterizing text or lowering image resolution.
On your deviceNo sign-up neededFree to use
- 1Choose files
- 2Adjust & preview
- 3Download
or drop your file here
PDF files · Up to 50 MBProcessed on your device. Your document stays yours.
BEFORE YOU START
Will compressing a PDF make it smaller without lowering image resolution?
Folio’s Compress PDF tool reduces structural overhead using compressed object streams. It keeps text selectable and does not lower image resolution. An already optimized or image-heavy PDF may not get smaller; Folio keeps the original available when the result is larger.
Compare local processing and cloud saving- Input
- One PDF to optimize.
- Output
- An optimized PDF, with the original available if optimization increases its size.
- Download cost
- All downloads and options are free. Sign in only to save files, invoices, or short links to your account.
- File handling
- This standalone tool processes document contents in your browser. Opening the result in the editor uploads it for private cloud saving.
- Limits to know
- Up to 50 MB per PDF. There is no guaranteed reduction or target file size. This tool does not downsample images or perform OCR.
THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Compress PDF: step by step.
- 01
Choose the PDF you want to optimize.
- 02
Run lossless document optimization.
- 03
Compare file sizes and download the result.
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
Check whether lossless PDF optimization makes your file smaller
You want to reduce document overhead while keeping selectable text and the original image resolution. Compare the reported sizes before keeping the result.
Try with a practice file
Original, fictional samples. Download a file, then select it in the tool above.
- Input
- One existing PDF
- Operation
- Optimize PDF
- Decision
- Use the optimized copy only when it is smaller
Check the result
Reopen the download and inspect several pages. The amount saved depends on how the original PDF was written; some files have little removable overhead.
Compare a worked result
Folio-generated fictional examples. These checks apply to the supplied files and settings.
- Optimized structure, with selectable text
Smaller than the uncompressed-object practice PDF; One A4 page; original text remains selectable.
This tool does not downsample embedded images or guarantee 100 KB, 200 KB, or 1 MB output. For a PDF made from photos, compress those images first and then create the PDF.
A FEW HELPFUL DETAILSKnow your document.
Know your document.
Get a better result.
Folio rewrites the document using compressed object streams. This can reduce overhead in some PDFs while keeping text and image resolution intact. Already optimized or image-heavy PDFs may not get smaller. If the result is larger, Folio tells you and keeps the original available.
Why did my PDF stay the same size?
This tool rewrites PDF structure using compressed object streams. If the original already stores that structure efficiently, or most of its size is embedded photographs, there may be little to save. When optimization is not smaller, the download keeps your original file.
Can I compress a PDF to 100 KB or another upload limit?
There is no target-size setting or guaranteed reduction. Compare the result with the receiving website’s limit. If the PDF is made from photos, compress the source images and create a new PDF. If only a few pages are required, extract those pages before checking the size again.
Will the text stay searchable and the images stay sharp?
The operation does not rasterize text or reduce image resolution. Existing selectable text remains text; an image-only scan does not gain a searchable text layer. Reopen the exported file and check the pages you intend to send.
Get more from Compress PDF.
Why Your PDF Won’t Get Smaller (or Gets Bigger) PDF bigger after compression? Learn why optimization can increase file size, when to keep the original, and how to handle an upload limit.How to Create a Professional Invoice Online: A Practical Guide Create a clear invoice with your logo, itemized charges, tax, discounts, and payment details. Follow a worked example, download a PDF, and keep an editable draft.Does Folio Upload Your PDF? Local Tools vs. Cloud Saving See which Folio PDF tools process files locally, which save to private cloud storage, and which send documents for server processing before choosing a workflow.