Compress PDF to 1 MB: step by step
- Drop your PDF on the box, or click choose files. The target is already set to 1 MB.
- Click Compress PDF. Stronger settings are tried one by one until the file fits.
- Check the new size. A green result is under 1 MB.
- The file downloads straight away. For several PDFs, download them one by one or as a ZIP.
Under 1 MB, at the best quality that fits
Instead of making you guess a setting, this page tries gentle compression first and only goes stronger if the file is still too big. It aims a little under 1 MB, because some websites count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes and others as 1,024, so your file passes either check.
What happens to your PDF
The photos and scanned pages inside are re-compressed and, if needed, scaled down. Text, fonts and links stay exactly as they were. If the photos alone can't get the file small enough, scanned documents may be turned into page images at a lower resolution. The page tells you when that happens, because text can no longer be selected afterwards.
Tips if it won't fit
- Tick Grayscale. Color scans are about three times bigger than black and white ones.
- Remove pages you don't need with Delete PDF Pages, then compress again.
- Split a long document with Split PDF if the form accepts several files.
- Scan at 150 DPI instead of 300 or 600. Higher settings make huge files without making text easier to read.
Frequently asked questions
Can every PDF be compressed to 1 MB?
Most can. A PDF with many pages of photos may not fit 1 MB while staying readable. The page then gives you the smallest version it could make, and the tips above will help.
Will the text stay sharp?
Yes, unless the file has to be turned into page images to fit. You'll see a note when that happens.
Is there a watermark?
No. The PDF is exactly yours, just smaller.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser.
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