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Compress PDF to 200 KB (or Any Size) for Free

Application portals, scholarship forms and email often reject large PDFs. This free tool shrinks a PDF in your browser, either with a preset or to a target size you choose, such as 200 KB. Your file is processed on your device and never uploaded.

Compress a PDF

How to reduce PDF size

1. Open the tool and choose your PDF.
2. Pick Balanced or Smallest, or type a target size in KB.
3. Download the smaller file.

With a target size, the tool keeps lowering the file size until the PDF fits.

When you need a small PDF

• Job applications with CV and certificate uploads.
• School, university and scholarship portals.
• Visa and passport applications.
• Sending by email or WhatsApp.

Many portals set size limits, so check the limit and compress to just under it.

Why is my PDF so big?

PDFs made from phone photos or scans are large because each page is a big picture. This tool first shrinks the images and keeps your text sharp. PDFs that are mostly text are already small and may not shrink much.

Still too big?

• Split the PDF into parts and compress each one separately.
• Merge several small files later with Merge PDF if the portal accepts one larger file.

How small can a PDF get?

It depends on what is inside. Scans and photo-heavy PDFs shrink the most, because each page is a big image. PDFs that are mostly text are already small, and the tool will not return a file larger than the original.

Tips to get under a size limit

• Start with Balanced. If the portal still rejects the file, try Smallest or enter a target size.
• Remove pages you do not need with Organize PDF before compressing.
• If scans are very large, scan at a lower resolution next time.
• Open the compressed file and check it is still readable before you upload.

Frequently asked questions

Is Compress PDF free?

Yes, free with no sign-up and no watermark.

Will the quality drop?

Text stays sharp because only the photos and scans inside the PDF are compressed.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Files are processed on your device.

Can I compress to exactly 200 KB?

Enter 200 as the target and the tool keeps reducing until it fits. Very large scans may need splitting first.

Can I compress to 100 KB, 500 KB or 1 MB?

Yes. Enter any target size in KB and the tool keeps reducing until the file fits.

Can I compress a PDF on my phone?

Yes. It runs in your phone's browser and your file is not uploaded.

What if the PDF will not get small enough?

Split it into parts and compress each part separately.