Target size

Compress a PDF to under 5 MB

Compress a PDF to under 5 MB for multi-page documents such as degrees, contracts or records. At this size text, stamps and signatures stay clear, and the tool tells you first whether the file will fit.

Drop your PDF here

or click to browse, or paste with Ctrl+V

Choose files

Each file up to 500 MB / 500 pages, up to 3 files at a time

First time? See the 1-minute guide

Know if it gets under 5 MB first
Red stamps stay red
A missed target is never charged

Compressed page — 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.

Original page — 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 compress a PDF to 5 MB

Merge the set if needed
If the recipient wants one file, merge the separate scans into one first, then compress.
Drop your PDF
Custom size is preset to 5 MB. If the recipient names another limit, change the number.
Read the estimate
The tool shows whether the file will get under 5 MB, is small enough already, or would need splitting into parts.
Check, then download
Zoom into the preview to check stamps, signatures and figures, then download the file.

Why it’s different

Long documents, still easy to read

Room for quality

5 MB is roomy enough for a few dozen scanned pages, so the tool keeps text and signature strokes instead of squeezing too hard.

Red stamps stay red

Red stamps keep their color, thin strokes stay thin, and page size and order stay exactly as in the original.

Know first, lose nothing on a miss

The expected size appears before you run it. If 5 MB can’t be reached, that run isn’t charged.

Good to know

Can a multi-page document get under 5 MB?

Usually. Job, study-abroad and visa applications or a contract with appendices often run to a few dozen scanned pages, and 5 MB is roomy for that. In our tests, 10- and 30-page sample scans both went under 5 MB at the preset size, and shorter files were often already small enough.

A scan of a hundred pages or one full of color photos can stay above 5 MB even at the smallest level. The tool then says so and shows how many parts it would take.

Merge first, or compress each file?

It depends on the recipient. If they want one file for the whole set, merge the PDFs first and then compress the merged file under 5 MB, because merging adds the sizes up. If they take each document separately, drop them all here together and each one is aimed under 5 MB on its own.

Don’t compress each file and then merge them, hoping the total shrinks. Merging doesn’t compress, so the total can still be over; compressing last is the reliable order. Sending by email instead of uploading? See compress a PDF for email.

Does compressing to 5 MB blur stamps?

Usually not. At 5 MB there is enough room to keep the red of a stamp and the thin lines of a signature. Still, zoom into the stamp and signature in the preview before spending credits, especially if the scan was faint to begin with.

What if it’s still over 5 MB?

Try these in order. Most documents stop at step one. For step three, Split PDF can also cut by a maximum size per part.

Order to try
Step	Level or action	Note
1	Recommended	Smaller file, text stays sharp
2	Smaller	Lighter still, fine detail softens slightly
3	Split into parts	Each part under 5 MB, numbered in order

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How is 5 MB different from the Gmail limit?

Gmail limits a whole message to about 25 MB, and attachments grow when sent, so a 5 MB file emails comfortably. To aim at an email limit instead, use the compress-for-email page. This page aims at upload-form limits; the email page aims at the limit of a whole message.

Am I charged if 5 MB isn’t reached?

No. If you set a size and the result stays above 5 MB, it isn’t charged. You can split the file into parts under 5 MB, each numbered so the order is clear. If the recipient takes only one file, remove pages you don’t need and try again. Taking the smallest version from a missed run costs credits at the level it reached.

Do I need to compress if the file is under 5 MB already?

No. The tool tells you right away when the file is already under 5 MB. Compress only if you want to send several files together or the recipient sets a lower limit.

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 compressing PDFs free?

Compression uses credits, but you get free credits to try it: 20 credits on your first visit and 5 free credits every day. Compressing one file up to 50 MB at the Recommended level costs 3 credits. You see the credits before you press Compress PDF.

How long do you keep my files?

Files are deleted automatically after processing: 24 hours on the free tier, 3 days for paid files. You can press “Delete now” at any time. 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.