Quick answer
Try "Structure Only" first. If the file is a scan or full of photos, switch to "Rasterize & Recompress", lower the scale and quality a step at a time, and check the size after each try.
Step by step
- Open Compress PDF.
- Run your file with "Structure Only" and look at the size comparison.
- If it is still too large, choose "Rasterize & Recompress" and lower the scale or quality sliders a little.
- Compress again from the original file and compare. Repeat in small steps until the size fits.
- Download the version that is under the limit and still readable.
Tips
- Scanned pages shrink the most. Text-only PDFs are often small already.
- Remove pages you do not need first with Split PDF.
- Always start again from the original file. Compressing an already compressed copy loses quality faster.
- If it still will not fit, split the document into two files and submit them separately if the portal allows it.
Good to know
Results depend on the content of your PDF, so there is no guaranteed target size. Rasterizing makes text non-selectable, so keep your original. Your PDF is compressed on your device and is not uploaded.
Try it now: Compress PDF. Free, no signup, and your files stay in your browser.