Tool Guide

PDF Compressor Guide

Match the compression level to the document so you shrink the file without visibly hurting the content that matters.

Focus
Use Balanced as the default for most documents
Best For
Choose Best quality for image-heavy or scanned PDFs
Tip
Use Smallest file only when size is critical

Choosing a compression level

The three levels trade image clarity against file size. Balanced is the recommended default for a strong reduction with good quality.

  • Balanced: good quality with a strong size reduction
  • Best quality: keeps images clearer with a smaller reduction
  • Smallest file: strongest compression for sharing and uploads

When to re-compress

If the result is still too large, run the file through a stronger level for an additional reduction.

  • Compress again with a stronger level if needed
  • Check the reduction shown in the result summary
  • Keep your original PDF in case you need the full version later

Common mistakes

The main mistakes are over-compressing image-heavy documents and expecting large reductions from already-optimized files.

  • Avoid Smallest file for PDFs with photos or scanned graphics
  • Do not expect big reductions from already-compressed PDFs
  • Let the upload finish before pressing Compress