Compress PDF online

What Compress PDF does

Compress PDF uses Ghostscript PDF output profiles and keeps the smaller of the recompressed result and source, avoiding a larger download presented as compression.

Compress PDF runs as a queued server job after the source upload completes. The generated artifact receives a separate download link, so the original device file remains unchanged.

How to use this tool

Prepare the source
Choose a quality profile based on whether the document is for screen viewing, office printing, or higher-quality production. This preparation matters specifically before using Compress PDF.
Upload and inspect
Select one unencrypted PDF document, wait for the Compress PDF upload to finish, and confirm that the displayed source is the intended file.
Choose the available options
Set only the Compress PDF controls needed for this output and review required fields before starting the job.
Download and verify
Compare small text, diagrams, photographs, transparency, and page count at normal and enlarged zoom. Keep the source until the Compress PDF result has passed that review.

Common use cases

Prepare a delivery copy

Use Compress PDF to create a separate copy for a recipient without overwriting the maintained source.

Correct one document workflow

Apply Compress PDF to a known document problem after confirming the operation matches the intended outcome.

Create a review candidate

Generate a Compress PDF result that can be checked before it enters a records, publishing, or sharing process.

Supported inputs

one unencrypted PDF document
One Compress PDF job at a time through the current public workspace

Output

One compressed PDF; the original bytes are retained when compression would make the file larger.

Limitations to know

Already optimized or mostly text-based PDFs may not become smaller, and lossy image profiles can reduce detail.
Compress PDF cannot reconstruct source information that is absent, damaged, or inaccessible in the uploaded document.
Viewer, font, image, form, signature, and accessibility behavior can change after Compress PDF; compare important output with the source.
No Compress PDF result should be treated as legal, archival, accessibility, or compliance certification without the required independent review.

Privacy and document handling

Compress PDF uploads the selected source to configured object storage so the worker can process it.
The worker attempts to remove temporary Compress PDF workspace files after the job, which is separate from stored input and output retention.
Avoid using Compress PDF with confidential material unless the published storage and retention information is suitable for the document.

Stored input and output objects are deleted automatically: files uploaded without an account are removed about 24 hours after upload, and files belonging to a signed-in account are removed after 7 days. A scheduled sweep enforces this hourly against the object store itself. Workers attempt to remove per-job temporary directories after processing. This does not delete stored input or output objects.

Read the Privacy Policy and Security page for verified implementation details and open questions.

Troubleshooting

Compress PDF cannot start

Confirm the expected one unencrypted PDF document finished uploading and every required Compress PDF option contains a valid value.

Compress PDF reports a processing error

Open the source locally, remove unsupported encryption where authorized, and retry Compress PDF with a smaller valid file.

Compress PDF output is not suitable

Compare small text, diagrams, photographs, transparency, and page count at normal and enlarged zoom. If it still differs, retain the source and use a workflow designed for that document feature.

Still stuck? Review Help and common questions or contact support.

Frequently asked questions

Does Compress PDF replace my original file?

No. Compress PDF creates a separate stored output and does not edit the source on your device.

Is every Compress PDF result guaranteed to look identical?

No. Compress PDF depends on the source structure and processing engine, so important pages and features must be checked.

Should I delete my source after Compress PDF?

No. Keep the source until the Compress PDF output has been opened, compared, and accepted for its intended use.

How should I check my Compress PDF result?

Open every Compress PDF download and compare it with the unchanged source before sharing or deleting anything. Pay particular attention to this documented limitation: Already optimized or mostly text-based PDFs may not become smaller, and lossy image profiles can reduce detail.