Compress PDF online
Upload a PDF, choose compression level and download a smaller file. Everything runs in your browser — files never leave your device.
Reduce PDF file size for email attachments or portal uploads. For hitting an exact KB limit, use the PDF Size Fixer instead.
When to Compress a PDF
Use Compress PDF to reduce PDF size for sending via WhatsApp, Gmail or uploading to portals with size limits. For exact KB targets (like UPSC 300KB), use our PDF Size Fixer instead which gives you precise control.
Government Portal File Size Limits in India
Almost every Indian government exam portal and services website enforces a strict PDF size limit. Uploading a file that is even slightly over the limit will cause the portal to reject your submission automatically. The table below covers the most common portals and their requirements so you know exactly which compression level to aim for.
| Portal / Exam | Max PDF Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC (CSE / IFoS) | 300 KB | DAF form and supporting certificates |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | 50 KB | Photo and signature PDF uploads |
| Passport Seva Portal | 200 KB | Address proof and supporting documents |
| Railway (RRB / NTPC / Group D) | 150 KB | Certificate uploads during document verification |
| IBPS / SBI PO & Clerk | 500 KB | Education and caste certificates |
| NTA (JEE / NEET) | 300 KB | Category certificate and photo ID |
For portals with very tight limits such as SSC's 50 KB requirement, general-percentage compression may not be enough on its own. Use PDF Size Fixer to type in a specific KB target and let the tool find the right compression level automatically.
How to Compress a PDF — Step-by-Step Guide
The whole process takes under a minute and everything runs in your browser, so your files are never sent to any server.
- Upload your PDF — click the "Choose PDF" button or drag and drop the file into the upload area above.
- Check the preview — a thumbnail of the first page appears along with the original file size so you know how much you need to reduce it.
- Pick a compression level — choose Low for the best visual quality, Medium for a balanced result, or High for the smallest possible file size.
- Click "Compress PDF" — the compression runs instantly using JavaScript in your browser. No data is sent to a server at any point.
- Download the result — the new file size is displayed so you can confirm it meets your portal's limit before you download.
- Still too large? — if the compressed file is still over the portal's limit, try the High setting, or switch to PDF Size Fixer to target an exact KB value such as 300 KB or 200 KB.
Which Compression Level Should You Use?
The right level depends on what your PDF contains and how you plan to use it after compression.
Low compression is ideal for PDFs you intend to print or sign digitally later. The file size reduction is modest — typically 10 to 30 percent — but text sharpness and image clarity are fully preserved.
Medium compression gives a good balance between quality and size reduction. Most scanned documents shrink by 40 to 60 percent with no noticeable loss on screen. This level works well for most government portal uploads where quality still matters.
High compression produces the smallest file. Scanned PDFs with photos or colour images can shrink by 70 to 85 percent. Text-only PDFs see less reduction (20 to 40 percent) because their data is already encoded efficiently. Use High when hitting a tight portal limit like 50 KB or 150 KB and you only need to submit the file digitally.