Compress a PDF

Reduce the file size of a PDF by downsampling embedded images. Text and vectors stay sharp.

The Compress tool reduces a PDF's file size by shrinking embedded images. Text, fonts and vector graphics are untouched — the output looks identical to the original at normal viewing sizes.

How to compress

1. Open Tools › Compress and pick a file — or, with the document already open in the editor, click ••• in the top toolbar and choose Reduce File Size.
2. Choose a quality level: Smallest, Balanced or Sharpest. The dialog shows the current file size.
3. Click Reduce File Size, then save or export the result.

   

Tips

• Compression only helps if the PDF contains images (photos, scans). A PDF with only text and vector graphics will not shrink much.
• Use Smallest or Balanced for documents you will share by email or message.
• Use Sharpest for anything that may be printed.
• The original file is never modified — the compressed result is always a new file.