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Compress PDFs for email and online forms

Compress PDFs so they fit email attachment limits and online upload forms. Pick a common limit or type your own; if one file can’t fit, you get numbered parts that do, before anything is charged.

Drop your PDF here

or click to browse, or paste with Ctrl+V

Free up to 20 MB / 100 pages, up to 3 files · with credits up to 200 MB per file

    • Common limits one tap away
    • Split automatically when needed
    • Text and signatures stay legible

    Same invoice, a fraction of the size

    Compressed page
    Original page
    OriginalRecommended4.34 MB0.15 MB · −96%
    Real output on a sample invoice scan (made-up company and figures): page 1 of 3, compressed with the Recommended option. Drag the slider, then zoom in.
    How it works

    How to make a PDF fit an upload limit

    1. Merge loose pages first

      If the recipient expects one document, combine the separate scans with Merge PDF so you compress and send a single file.

    2. Drop the PDF

      This page starts with a 10 MB target. Tap a quick size such as 5 MB or 2 MB, or type the limit the form shows.

    3. Check the size

      The estimate tells you whether one file fits. If not, choose Smallest, or split into parts that each stay under the limit.

    4. Download and attach

      Download the file or the parts as a ZIP, then zoom in on stamps, figures and signatures before you send.

    Why it’s different

    Made for strict size rules

    Quick sizes

    Common limits are one tap away, and any other limit can be typed in megabytes, including decimals.

    One file or numbered parts

    Get a single file under the limit, or parts numbered in order when one file can’t fit with readable text.

    Readable on the other end

    Text stays sharp and stamps keep their color, so nobody has to ask you to send the document again.

    Good to know

    What is the attachment size limit for email?

    Most email services cap one message at roughly 20 to 25 MB, counting every attachment, and company mail servers often set lower limits. Attachments are also re-encoded for sending, which makes them take up about a third more space in the message than on your disk.

    So a 20 MB PDF can already be too big for a 25 MB limit. Targeting 10 MB for a single attachment leaves comfortable room. If you send several documents in one message, add their sizes up and aim for the total.

    What size do online forms and portals accept?

    Upload forms set their own limits, usually per file and often far lower than email: 2, 5 or 10 MB are common on job applications, university admissions, visa portals and online public services. The limit is normally written next to the upload button or in the instructions.

    Check two things before you compress: the size per file, and whether the form takes more than one file. If it does, splitting keeps every page legible instead of squeezing everything into one tiny file.

    Should I merge first or compress first?

    Merge first, then compress. Merging copies pages without changing them, so doing it first gives the compressor one complete document to work on and one size to check against the limit. If the merged file is still too big, compress it; if it is still over, split it by size. The guide to preparing documents for upload walks through the whole set.

    How do I check the file before sending it?

    Look at what a reviewer looks at: ID numbers, dates, amounts, stamps and signatures. The preview on this page shows a crop of your own page at the chosen level, so you can switch to a lighter or a stronger level before you download. After downloading, open the file once and zoom in on those details before you hit send.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    Does a 25 MB email limit mean my PDF can be 25 MB?

    Usually not. The limit covers the whole message, and attachments grow by about a third when they are encoded for sending. A PDF of around 18 MB or less is a safer fit for a 25 MB limit; with several attachments, aim lower.

    Should I send one file or several?

    If the form accepts several files, split. Each part stays sharp, while forcing everything into one very small file can make a scan hard to read. If only one file is allowed, compress to the limit and check the preview.

    What if the portal accepts only one file?

    Compress to the limit with Custom size. If one file can’t fit while staying readable, remove the pages the portal doesn’t need with Organize PDF, then compress again. You are not charged for a target that can’t be reached.

    Can I compress a digitally signed PDF?

    Not the signed file itself. Compressing changes the file’s bytes, so a digital signature would become invalid. Compress before signing, and keep signed originals as they are. If you only need a copy for viewing, you can opt in to an unsigned copy that is clearly marked on every page.

    Is it free? What are the limits?

    Yes. On the free tier each file can be up to 100 MB and 500 pages. You get 5 free credits every day (enough for one Recommended compression of up to 20 pages). Merge, split, organize and image tools are free for files up to 20 MB / 100 pages. Up to 3 files at a time (10 with credits, 20 with Pro). Credits raise the limit to 200 MB and 2000 pages per file.

    How long do you keep my files?

    Files are deleted automatically 24 hours after processing on the free tier, 3 days with credits and 7 days with Pro. You can press “Delete now” at any time, or keep a file 30 days for 2 credits. Only you can download files from your results page, unless you create a share link yourself (up to 24 hours or until the file is deleted, and you can revoke it). Files are never sent by email.

    Send it in one go

    Get the whole set of documents ready in one batch.

    Compress for email →