Compress PDF to a Target Size (KB)
Upload portals for exams, jobs, scholarships and government schemes reject PDFs that are even a few KB over the limit. Get your PDF under 100 KB, 200 KB or any size you choose, without sending your documents to anyone.
- No upload
- No sign-up
- No copy kept
- No watermark
Quick answer
Choose the PDF, pick the size limit printed on the upload form (for example 100 KB) and click Compress PDF. The tool first tries a lossless clean-up that keeps the text sharp; if the file is still too big, it re-saves the pages as images at a slightly lower resolution until the file fits, then downloads it. Tick "Black & white" for scanned certificates and marksheets to get them much smaller. Your PDF is processed inside your browser and is never uploaded to our server.
Which size and setting to pick
| Document | Typical limit | Best setting |
|---|---|---|
| Scanned certificate or marksheet (1–2 pages) | 100–300 KB | Target size + Black & white |
| Caste, income or domicile certificate | 100–500 KB | Target size; Black & white if it is a scan |
| Bank statement or salary slip (text PDF) | 1–2 MB | Usually fits with the lossless step alone |
| Colour photo ID or document with a photo | 200–500 KB | Target size, keep colour |
Always use the limit written on your form or notification; portals differ. 150 DPI is enough for any document upload.
How to use the Compress PDF to a Target Size (KB)
- Choose the PDF (or drag it onto the box).
- Pick the size limit: 100 KB, 200 KB, 300 KB, 500 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB or a custom size.
- Tick "Black & white" for scanned paper documents.
- Click Compress PDF. The smaller file downloads automatically; zoom in to check it is readable before uploading.
Worked example
A 3-page, 11 MB scanned PDF compressed to the 100 KB limit comes out at about 97 KB, to 200 KB at about 140 KB and to 500 KB at about 430 KB, with every page still readable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compress a PDF to exactly 100 KB?
Pick 100 KB as the target. The tool makes the file as large (and therefore as sharp) as it can while staying under 100 KB, with a little headroom because some portals count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.
Will the text stay selectable?
If the lossless step is enough, yes. If the PDF has to be re-saved as images to reach your target, the pages look the same but the text can no longer be selected or searched. That is fine for form uploads.
Why is my PDF still too big?
Very large or many-page scans may not fit tiny limits. Upload only the pages asked for (use Split PDF), tick Black & white, or scan the paper again at 150 DPI.
Is my document uploaded anywhere?
No. The PDF is opened and compressed inside your browser. Certificates, marksheets and ID documents never leave your device.
Can it compress a password-protected PDF?
No. Open it with the password and save a copy without the password first.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, in Chrome or Safari on your phone. Large PDFs take longer on older phones.
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