A large PDF can be awkward to email or upload. Before changing it, consider why the file is large: high-resolution scans and photographs often take more space than text-based pages. A smaller file can be easier to share, but compression methods differ.
Try these options first
- Keep the original in case you need to make a better copy later.
- If you control the source document, export it again with lower image resolution or an optimized-for-screen setting.
- Remove pages or images that recipients do not need.
- For scans, use a resolution suited to the purpose. Screen reading often needs less detail than archival printing.
What PDFSathi compression does
The browser renders every page to an image and builds a new PDF from those images. This can shrink photo-heavy scans, depending on the source and the selected settings. It is a lossy conversion: the output may look softer, especially at small text sizes.
Choose a setting and inspect the result
The low resolution option favors smaller files. Balanced is a middle ground, and high keeps more detail at the cost of a larger output. The best choice depends on the document. Open the compressed PDF at normal reading size and zoom in on the smallest text, charts and signatures before you send it.
Why did the output get bigger?
A PDF that already uses efficient image compression may not shrink when rendered and rebuilt. Higher resolution and quality settings also create larger files. If the result is larger or less readable, keep the original and try a different workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does a smaller PDF always look worse?
Not always. Some scanned pages can be reduced while staying readable, but any raster conversion trades detail for file size. Review the result at the size people will use it.
Can I still search the compressed PDF?
No. This tool turns pages into images, so the text layer is not retained. Use a different method if searchable text is important.