NovaCompress PDF
Make a PDF smaller without uploading it anywhere. Type the exact size you need, like 100KB or 2MB, or pick a quick preset. Everything runs in your browser, so your file never leaves your device.
Note: compressing a text-heavy PDF turns pages into images, so the text is no longer selectable or searchable. Works best on scanned or image-heavy PDFs. If your target size is too small, we stop at the smallest version we can make without the pages becoming unreadable. Small print may be blurry, so check numbers, dates and IDs before sending.
When to compress a PDF
Compress a PDF when you need to email it, upload it to a form with a size limit, or store many files without using much space. Compression works by re-encoding embedded images at a lower resolution and simplifying internal structure — the visible layout and text stay the same. Recommended works well for most files. Low keeps maximum detail for files with fine images or diagrams. Extreme gives the smallest file, best for scanned pages where sharpness matters less. Compression is lossy for images, so keep your original file if you might need the full-quality version later.
How to compress a PDF to a specific size
- Add your PDF. Drop one PDF file onto the box, or click Browse files to choose it from your device.
- Set the size you need. Under Customised Size, type your target size and choose KB or MB (for example 100 KB for a form upload). Or skip this and pick a preset: Low Compression, Recommended or Extreme Compression.
- Compress. Click Compress file. The work happens on your own device, so how long it takes depends on your file size and your device.
- Download and check. Download the smaller PDF, then open it and check that the pages are readable before you send or upload it. Keep your original file.
Compress PDF: frequently asked questions
Can I compress a PDF to exactly 100KB?
Yes, in most cases. Type 100 in the Customised Size box and choose KB. The tool aims to stay at or under that size. If it can't reach 100KB without making the pages unreadable, it gives you the smallest version it can make and tells you so. Small print in that file may be blurry, so check numbers, dates and IDs before you send it.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. Compression runs inside your browser on your own device, so the file is not sent to us or anyone else.
Will the text in my PDF stay selectable?
Not always. To reach small sizes, text-heavy pages are turned into images, so the text is no longer selectable or searchable. Compression works best on scanned or image-heavy PDFs. If you need searchable text afterwards, run the file through OCR PDF.
Which preset should I choose?
Recommended works well for most files. Low Compression keeps the most detail, which suits fine images or diagrams. Extreme Compression gives the smallest file and is best for scanned pages where sharpness matters less.
How do I make a PDF small enough to email or upload to a form?
Find the size limit the email service or form gives you, type that number into Customised Size, choose KB or MB, and compress. Open the result and check it before you send it.
Is NovaPDFTool's compressor free?
Yes. It is free to use and you do not need to sign up or create an account.