Compress a PDF

Compress PDF makes a PDF file smaller while keeping the pages readable. Upload one PDF and download a lighter PDF. MyConvert runs the compression on its servers for free, with no desktop app. Guest files stay available only for the short download grace period, then they are deleted.

  • Free for guests and signed-in members.
  • Accepts one PDF and downloads a smaller PDF.
  • Guest limit 25 MB. Member limit 100 MB.
  • Guest files are deleted after 30 minutes. Member files are kept for 24 hours.

Drop your file here

Choose file

Add one PDF to make a smaller copy. Up to 25 MB per file as a guest.

Step by step

How to use Compress PDF

  1. Add one PDFDrop the PDF onto the page or browse to it from your device, after you choose Smallest, Balanced, or High.
  2. Let the job runThe page uploads the file and shows queued or processing progress.
  3. Download the smaller PDFSave the result with the Download button and open it to confirm the pages are still readable.
  4. Keep your own copyGuest files expire after 30 minutes, so store the download somewhere you control.

Details

About Compress PDF

Compress PDF on MyConvert makes one PDF smaller so it is easier to email or upload somewhere else, while aiming to keep the pages readable. People use it when a slide export or a scan is just over a form's size cap, or when a mailbox rejects the attachment. You do not install a desktop optimizer and you do not pay for a smaller file. The download is still a PDF, not a pile of images, and you should open it before you send it on.

The tool is free for guests and for members. Guests can upload a PDF up to 25 MB. Members can upload a PDF up to 100 MB. The compressed result follows the same retention as every other tool: 30 minutes for a guest and 24 hours if you are signed in. After that, both the original upload and the smaller copy are deleted from the server. Keep your own copy if you still need the file tomorrow.

Compression runs on MyConvert servers. In production the transfer uses HTTPS. The browser sends one PDF, the worker rewrites it with a smaller footprint, and the page puts the Download button ahead of any advertisement. Choose Smallest, Balanced, or High before the job starts. Balanced is already selected and prefers a readable document over the smallest possible file. Smallest compresses harder and High keeps more detail. Progress is announced in the status line, including a support reference if something fails.

Use compress when the file is already a PDF and the problem is size. Use merge if you have several PDFs, split if you need single pages, and PDF to JPG if you need pictures of the pages. A password-protected PDF cannot be compressed here because it cannot be opened. Some files shrink only a little, especially when they are already compressed or when they are mostly text with no large images. A smaller file can look softer than the original. If a page has to stay crisp for print, compare the download before you discard the source.

The site has no pricing page and no paid compression tier. An ad slot may appear below the form or beside the download, with a fixed height so the button does not jump, and the ad script waits for consent. Refusing ads still leaves the tool usable. The essential cookie only connects this browser to the job. Add one PDF, download the smaller PDF, and decide from the actual pages whether the size tradeoff is acceptable.

Choose Smallest, Balanced, or High before you start. Balanced is the default. Smallest makes the lightest file, High keeps the most detail.

Limits

Good to know

  • Password-protected PDFs cannot be opened.
  • Smallest, Balanced, and High change how hard the file is compressed. Already-small PDFs may barely change size.
  • Pages can look softer than the original. Compare before you discard the source.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is PDF compress free?

Yes. Compressing a PDF does not require a payment or a subscription.

How much smaller will the file be?

It depends on the PDF. Scans with large images usually shrink more than a file that is already compressed text.

Will the text stay sharp?

The default aims to keep pages readable, but fine print and photos can look softer. Check the download.

Can I pick a quality level?

Yes. Choose Smallest, Balanced, or High on the form. Balanced is selected unless you change it.

Can I compress a locked PDF?

No. Password-protected PDFs cannot be opened.

Is the compressed file deleted?

Yes. Guests have 30 minutes to download it. Members have 24 hours.