Free tools
Compress a PDF Online for Free
Reduce PDF file size for email, storage, or online forms. Choose a compression level, compare the result, and download a smaller copy without creating an account.
Prepare
PDF & compression
PDF file
Compression level
Medium and High shrink images first and keep text when they can. Pages are flattened only if that is the only way to get a smaller file.
Preview
3Check the PDF
Upload a PDF to preview it here
Everything runs in your browser. Your PDF is not uploaded to SignPaperless servers when you use this free tool.
How it works
How to compress a PDF online
Upload a PDF, select Low, Medium, or High compression, and compare the result before downloading. No account is required, and the file is processed in your browser.
Upload your PDF
Select a PDF smaller than 20 MB. The file stays in your browser while the tool processes it.
Pick a compression level
Choose Low for lighter compression or Medium and High when you need a smaller file. Stronger settings reduce image quality more.
Compress and review the result
Compare the original PDF size with the compressed size before saving the new file.
Download the smaller PDF
Save the compressed copy to your device. Your original PDF remains unchanged.
Benefits
Reduce PDF size for easier sharing
Large PDFs can be difficult to email, store, or submit through an online form. This free PDF compressor creates a smaller copy in your browser without making you install another app.
Free with no account
Reduce PDF size online without registering, installing software, or adding payment details.
Stays on your device
The PDF is processed locally in your browser and is not sent to SignPaperless.
Three compression levels
Choose Low, Medium, or High based on the balance you want between image quality and file size.
Compare before downloading
See the original size, compressed size, and percentage saved before you download the result.
Useful for email and uploads
Make signed, scanned, or watermarked PDFs easier to attach to email or submit through an online form.
No added watermark
Your compressed PDF is downloaded without a SignPaperless logo or promotional mark.
Good to know
PDF compression compared with electronic signing
PDF compression makes a file smaller. It does not request signatures or record who signed a document. SignPaperless is designed for sending documents and managing the complete signing process.
| Need | Compress on this page | eSignature platform |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce PDF size for email or upload | Yes | Not a core eSignature task |
| Free to use without an account | Yes | Requires an account |
| Keep text selectable when possible | Usually yes; flatten is a last resort | N/A |
| Send a document to others and keep a signing record | No | Yes |
Use this page when you only need a smaller PDF. If you need to request signatures and keep a record of each signer, see what SignPaperless includes.
FAQs
Questions about PDF compression
Learn how compression affects file size and quality, which setting to choose, and how your PDF stays private.
Yes. You can reduce PDF size and download the result without creating an account or installing an app.
No. Your PDF is processed in your browser and is not sent to SignPaperless.
You can compress a PDF smaller than 20 MB with this free tool.
The result depends on the file. Scanned documents and PDFs with large photos often shrink the most. A PDF that already contains compressed images or mostly text may show a smaller reduction.
Choose Low when clarity and selectable text matter most. Medium offers a practical balance for sharing. High aims for the smallest result and may reduce image quality or flatten pages when needed.
No. The tool creates a separate copy for you to download. The original PDF on your device is not overwritten.
The tool does not replace your PDF with a larger result. If compression does not reduce the size, it keeps the original data and shows the result before download.
Protected PDFs may not open in the browser. Unlock the file or export an unprotected copy, then upload that copy to the compressor.
Free tools built for the community
SignPaperless offers free tools as a contribution for everyday document work. They run in your browser and support personal and commercial use, with no watermarks, account walls, or hidden costs on these pages.
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Need others to sign a document?
This page creates a smaller copy of your PDF. To send a document, collect signatures, and keep a record of each signer, use SignPaperless.