Compressing PDF Files

Go to your PDF Suite dashboard and either open an existing project or upload a new file by clicking Upload PDF. Drag and drop the file or browse your computer. PDF Suite accepts files up to 500 MB and supports PDFs of any version.

• Files are uploaded over a secure, encrypted connection and stored in your private project
• You can also open PDFs from Google Drive or Dropbox using the cloud import button
• Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked before compression — use the Unlock tool first
• Original files are never modified; compression creates a new version in your project history

With your PDF open, click the Compress button in the top toolbar or find it under the Optimize menu. A compression panel will slide open on the right side of the screen showing the current file size and compression options.

• The panel shows your current file size prominently so you have a clear baseline
• You can compress any PDF in your project — not just the most recently uploaded one
• Compression is available on all paid plans; the Basic plan supports files up to 50 MB
• Batch compression (multiple files at once) is available on Business and Enterprise plans

Select from three compression levels. The right choice depends on how the PDF will be used and whether image quality is critical for your audience.

• Low compression — minimal size reduction, maximum image fidelity; best for print-ready files or portfolios
• Medium compression — balanced reduction (typically 40–60%); best for contracts, reports, and general-purpose sharing
• High compression — aggressive reduction (up to 80%); best for scanned documents and archiving where pixel-perfect images are not required
• Text content remains fully searchable and copy-pasteable at all compression levels

Before downloading, PDF Suite shows you a real-time estimate of the compressed file size next to the original. Review the size and quality side-by-side in the preview pane to confirm the result meets your expectations.

• Zoom in on the preview to inspect image sharpness at full resolution
• If the quality looks insufficient, switch to a lower compression level and re-preview
• The estimated size is accurate within ±5% of the final downloaded file size
• Documents with mostly text and vector graphics compress very efficiently at all levels

Click Download Compressed PDF to save the optimized file to your computer. The compressed version is also saved as a new version in your project's version history, so you can always return to the original.

• Compressed files are saved in your project automatically — no separate upload needed
• Use the Share button to generate a direct download link instead of downloading yourself
• Files are available in your dashboard for 30 days on Basic and indefinitely on Pro and above
• You can also export directly to Google Drive or Dropbox without downloading locally