Compress PDF Size: Reduce Files to 100KB, 200KB, 500KB, or 1MB

February 7, 2025

Compress PDF Size: Reduce Files to 100KB, 200KB, 500KB, or 1MB


You can quickly shrink a PDF file from 50 to 90% using online tools, desktop software, or built-in features. Whether you're emailing, uploading, or saving space, compression reduces file size while keeping the document readable. Just upload your file to a PDF compressor, select the compression level, and download the optimized version within seconds. Popular tools like Smallpdf, ILovePDF, and ThePDFFox provide reliable solutions, ensuring your PDF remains clear while significantly reducing its size.

How to Compress PDF Size Online

Use Smallpdf, ILovePDF, or The PDFFox:

  • Open your browser and go to ThePDFFox, Smallpdf, or ILovePDF.

  • Click on the "Choose File" button.

  • Locate your PDF file and upload it.

  • Select the compression level: Basic Compression or Stronger Compression

  • Click "Compress" and wait for the tool to process your file.

  • Once completed, click "Download" to save the compressed PDF to your device.

How to Compress PDF Size on Windows

Adobe Acrobat Pro:

  • Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.

  • Click "File" and select "Open" to load your PDF.

  • Navigate to "File" > "Save As Other" > "Reduced Size PDF".

  • Choose the desired compatibility level (lower versions offer higher compression).

  • Click "OK" and save the compressed file.

Using Free PDF Compressor Software (ORPALIS PDF Reducer, Free PDF Compressor, etc.):

  • Download and install ORPALIS PDF Reducer or Free PDF Compressor.

  • Open the software and click "Add File" to upload your PDF.

  • Choose a compression mode:

  • Screen: Best for reading on devices, high compression.

  • eBook: Medium compression with good quality.

  • Printer: Lower compression but retains high quality.

  • Click "Compress" and save the optimized file.

How to Compress PDF Size on Mac

Using Preview (Built-in Feature):

  • Open your PDF in Preview (default Mac PDF viewer).

  • Click "File" > "Export".

  • Click the "Quartz Filter" dropdown and select "Reduce File Size".

  • Choose the save location and click "Save" to compress your PDF.

Using Third-Party Apps (PDF Squeezer, Cisdem PDF Compressor, etc.):

  • Download PDF Squeezer or Cisdem PDF Compressor from the Mac App Store.

  • Open the app and drag and drop your PDF file.

  • Select a compression level: Low: High quality, Balanced compression, Maximum size reduction.

  • Click "Compress" and save the file.

How to Compress PDFs on Mobile (Android & iOS)

Using Online Compressors:

Open your browser on your phone and visit ThePDFFox, ILovePDF, or Smallpdf.

  • Tap "Choose File" and upload your PDF.

  • Select a compression level: Basic Compression, High Compression.

  • Tap "Compress" and wait for the process to complete.

  • Once done, tap "Download" to save the smaller file to your device.

Using Mobile Apps (Adobe Acrobat Reader, PDF Compressor):

Install Adobe Acrobat Reader or PDF Compressor from the Play Store/App Store.

  • Open the app and select "Compress PDF".

  • Tap "Select a File" and upload your PDF.

  • Choose the compression level: High, Medium, Low.

  • Tap "Compress" and save the smaller file.

Final Thoughts

Compressing PDF files ensures faster sharing, efficient storage, and smoother online uploads. Online tools like ThePDFFox are best for quick compression, while Adobe Acrobat Pro provides advanced control over file quality. Mac users can rely on Preview, and mobile users can use dedicated apps for easy compression. Having the right tool for compression can make a big difference, especially when handling multiple PDFs daily. If you’re frequently working with PDFs, it’s good to have a mix of online and offline solutions for maximum flexibility. Regardless of your device, compressing PDFs is simple and helps keep your documents manageable without sacrificing clarity.