Paper
Merge, split, compress, and convert PDFs locally.
Compress PDF
Shrink a PDF's file size by downsampling its images. We show you the exact savings before you save.
Drop a PDF here
or click to choose a file
How to compress a PDF
- 1. Drop a PDF onto the page.
- 2. Click Compress. We show the original and compressed sizes side by side.
- 3. If you like the result, click Download. If not, clear and try a different file.
How compression works here
Paper compresses by rasterizing each page to a reduced-resolution JPEG and rebuilding the PDF around those images. That's honest about the trade-off: text becomes part of the image instead of remaining selectable. For scans, statements, and image-heavy documents, savings are real and the result looks nearly identical. For text-heavy contracts you need to search later, skip this tool and use a different one - no compression is "free."
What happens to my file?
Nothing leaves your device. Compression runs in your browser; the original and compressed versions both stay in memory until you close the tab.
Limits
None right now. Paper is running a free promo: every compression preset is unlocked and there are no file size, page, or batch limits - details.