Compress a PDF to the size you need
Pick 100KB, 200KB, 500KB, 1MB, 2MB or type your own limit. FileNimbo lowers picture quality only as much as needed, so scanned and photo PDFs fit online forms too.
Choose your PDF file
Drag a PDF here or browse your device. Nothing is uploaded to our server.
PDF: one file at a time, up to 100 MB. 1 KB = 1,000 bytes, so results also fit portals that count 1 KB as 1,024 bytes.
How to compress a PDF to a specific size
Many job portals, exam forms and government websites only accept PDFs under a size such as 100 KB, 200 KB or 1 MB. This tool shrinks your PDF until it fits the limit you choose, while keeping it as clear as that limit allows.
- Choose your PDF. It stays on your device.
- Pick a target size: 100 KB, 200 KB, 500 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB, or type your own under Custom.
- Press Compress PDF. Large scanned files can take a few seconds.
- Check the new size and the page preview, then download the compressed PDF.
How the size is reduced
FileNimbo tries the gentlest method first and only goes further when it has to:
- No quality loss: the PDF is rewritten more compactly. Text and pictures stay exactly as they were.
- Smaller pictures: scanned pages and photos inside the PDF are saved at a lower resolution and quality. Text stays sharp and selectable.
- Pages as images: if the file is still too big, each page is saved as an image at the best quality that fits. Text then cannot be selected or searched.
The result always shows the original size, the new size and which method was used.
A practical example
A 6-page document scanned with a phone can be 10 to 15 MB. Compressed to 200 KB, its pages are usually still easy to read. A 30-page scan, on the other hand, may not fit under 100 KB. In that case you get the smallest file possible with a clear message, and you can split the PDF into parts with Split PDF and compress each part.
Supported files and limitations
- One PDF at a time, up to 100 MB. Very large files can be slow on older phones.
- The target is a maximum. The result is the target size or smaller, not an exact byte count.
- A digital signature will not be valid in the compressed copy, because it is a new file. Keep the signed original.
- When pages are saved as images, links and form fields stop working, though their content stays visible.
- Asking for a very small size for many pages can make text blurry. Always check the preview.
Troubleshooting
It says the target was not reached
The PDF has too many pages or too much detail for that limit. Try a larger target, or use Split PDF or Extract PDF Pages to keep only the pages you need, then compress again.
It asks for a password
The PDF is locked. Type the password that opens it. It is used only on your device.
It could not compress my file
The PDF may be damaged, or your device may be short of memory. Close other tabs, or try again on a computer.
Questions about compressing PDFs
Can I compress a PDF to exactly 100KB?
The tool makes the file 100KB or smaller, not an exact byte count. It keeps as much quality as the size allows, so the result is usually close to your target.
Will a scanned PDF still be readable?
Usually yes. A few scanned pages fit under 200KB with readable text. If you ask for a very small size for many pages, text can get blurry, so check the page preview before you upload.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF is compressed by your own browser on your device. FileNimbo never receives the file.
Why can't I select text in the compressed PDF?
When shrinking the pictures inside a PDF is not enough, each page is saved as an image to reach your size. Text then looks the same but cannot be selected or searched. The result tells you when this happens.
Does it work with password-protected PDFs?
Yes. Enter the PDF password when asked. The compressed copy has no password, so share it carefully.
Is 1 KB 1000 bytes or 1024 bytes here?
FileNimbo counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes. That is slightly stricter than 1,024 bytes, so the result also fits portals that count 1 KB as 1,024 bytes.