How much can I reduce a PDF file?

FileSwiftly typically reduces PDF size by 40-70% depending on content. A 5 MB PDF often becomes 1.5-2 MB on Recommended mode, and under 1 MB on Maximum mode.

Is there a file size limit?

The free tool supports PDF files up to 100 MB. All tools support files up to 100 MB.

Is my PDF safe and private?

Yes. Your file is uploaded over HTTPS, processed on our secure servers, and automatically deleted after 1 hour. We never store or share your files.

Does compression reduce PDF quality?

In Recommended mode, the visual quality difference is imperceptible. Maximum mode reduces image resolution, ideal for email. Quality mode is for high-res printing.

Can I compress multiple PDFs at once?

The tool compresses one file at a time.

Compress PDF

Reduce the size of your PDF files without visible quality loss. Free, fast and secure.

~5–15 seconds Average reduction: 40–70% File deleted after 1h Max 100 MB

Drag & drop your PDF here

or click to select

PDF only — Max 100 MB

Compression level

Maximum

Smallest size

Recommended

Good balance

Quality

High fidelity

Concrete results

Real compression examples on typical files

Before / After

4.8 MB

Before

1.9 MB

After

60% average reduction

60%

average reduction

average time

Reduction by mode

Maximum mode −70 to −80%

Before

100%

After

25%

Recommended mode −55 to −65%

Before

100%

After

40%

Quality mode −30 to −40%

Before

100%

After

65%

"Reduced my PDFs from 4 MB to 1.2 MB in seconds. Perfect for sending by email!"

Secure HTTPS connection

File deleted after 1h

50,000+ files processed/day

Processing in under 30s

How to compress a PDF online for free?

Compressing a PDF reduces file size by up to 70% with no visible quality loss. FileSwiftly uses Ghostscript, a professional PDF engine, to handle your files directly in the browser — no installation or sign-up needed.

Three PDF compression levels explained

Maximum mode shrinks the PDF to the absolute minimum by resampling images to 72 dpi — ideal for email (10–25 MB limit) or instant messaging. Recommended targets 150 dpi and offers the best size/quality balance — perfect for web use, presentations, and digital archiving. Quality applies light compression at 300 dpi, preserving high fidelity for professional printing.

Which PDFs can be compressed?

Our online PDF compressor supports all standard PDF files: business reports, PowerPoint exports, admin forms, and invoices. PDFs with high-resolution photos or screenshots see the biggest reduction, often 60% to 80%.

Security and Privacy

Your files are transferred via HTTPS TLS 1.3 and automatically deleted after 1 hour. We are fully GDPR compliant and do not store any data.

FAQ

Why compress a PDF?

Compressed PDFs download faster and fit email attachment limits.

Does it affect text quality?

No. Only image resolution is adjusted; text and vector graphics remain sharp.

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