Files and imagesHow to compress a PDF for upload
Ways to get a PDF under an upload limit, from compressing it to shrinking the photos first, without losing what matters.
Updated: · 1 min read
Start with the right method
| Your file |
Best approach |
| Scanned pages or photos of documents |
Compress PDF at Balanced |
| Made from phone photos |
Compress the photos first, then images to PDF |
| Many pages, only some needed |
Split PDF and upload the pages required |
| Mostly typed text |
Usually small already; compressing may not help |
Step by step
- Open compress PDF and choose your file.
- Start with Balanced, then compare the new size with the limit.
- Still too big? Try Smallest file.
- Open the result and check that stamps, signatures and small print are readable.
Common mistakes
- Photographing documents at full resolution. A 12-megapixel photo is far more than a document needs; compress photos with the image compressor first.
- One PDF for everything. Portals often want each document separately.
- Uploading without checking. Always open the compressed file before you submit it.
Questions people ask
What size limit do portals use?+
Many government portals and job sites allow 2 to 5 MB per file. Check the limit shown next to the upload button.
My PDF is still too big after compressing. What now?+
Try the Smallest file level, or split the PDF into parts, or rebuild it from photos you’ve compressed first.
Will compressing make my document unreadable?+
Balanced compression keeps normal documents clear. Check the result before you upload it.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check official sources for your own situation.