01
Convert the target to bytes
The KB value is converted to bytes (KB × 1,024), and every candidate result is compared with that limit.
PDF Compression
Compress PDF files to strict upload limits
Useful for portals, applications, and email attachments that reject large documents and ask for a specific size.
Free
No signup
Private
Use the compressor at no cost.
Open the tool and start compressing immediately.
Compression stays in your browser and files are not stored on our servers.
Common use cases
Reducing PDF attachments for email
Compressing resumes and CVs before applying
Meeting university, visa, and portal upload rules
Shrinking large scanned documents before sharing
Fixing file too large errors on forms and job sites
Start compressing
Set your target size, let the tool do the work, and download the result when it is ready.
What this tool does
This tool compresses PDF files toward a target KB or MB size directly in your browser. Choose the limit from your form, run compression, then review the result before your final upload.
Practical tips
- For scanned PDFs, use a lighter PDF profile only if the document is still too large.
- Keep text readable before pushing quality or render scale too low.
- If the portal still rejects the file, try a target slightly below the stated limit.
Verifiable method
How ExactSizer targets a file-size limit
The target is treated as a maximum limit, not a promise that every source file can finish at exactly the same byte count.
02
Rebuild PDFs page by page
Each page is rendered in the browser, converted to a JPEG image, and embedded in a new PDF. The engine tests quality and can reduce render scale in 5% increments. This may remove selectable text and soften fine detail.
03
Process locally and report the result honestly
The file is processed in browser memory. The result reports whether the target was met and shows a warning if minimum settings are reached before the requested size.
Popular target sizes
Many people land on pages like this because they need a specific number, not just a smaller file. These are some of the most common targets in this niche.
Common search
PDF to 100KB
Use this page when you need to compress PDF to around 100KB for upload rules, forms, or sharing limits.
Common search
PDF to 200KB
Use this page when you need to compress PDF to around 200KB for upload rules, forms, or sharing limits.
Common search
PDF to 500KB
Use this page when you need to compress PDF to around 500KB for upload rules, forms, or sharing limits.
Common search
PDF to 1024KB
Use this page when you need to compress PDF to around 1024KB for upload rules, forms, or sharing limits.
Common search
PDF to 2048KB
Use this page when you need to compress PDF to around 2048KB for upload rules, forms, or sharing limits.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover the questions people usually have before compressing a file.
Can I compress PDF to 200KB or 500KB?
Yes. Those are common target sizes for forms and email, and this page is built to help you aim for them directly.
Will my PDF always look the same?
Not always. Strong PDF reduction can soften text and graphics, especially when the file needs to become much smaller than the original.
What kinds of PDFs compress best?
Scanned documents and image-heavy PDFs often benefit the most, while vector-rich or already optimized PDFs may have less room to shrink.
Related resources
Useful next pages for common targets, format changes, and upload problems.
Also useful
File to 1024KB
For 1MB limits across images, PDFs, resumes, and attachments.
Also useful
PDF to 200KB
For government, visa, university, and strict document portals.
Also useful
PDF file too large
Reduce PDFs for portals, email, resumes, and scans.
Also useful
Compress JPG or HEIC to an Exact KB Size
Reduce JPG, JPEG, and iPhone HEIC files to the size you need for forms, portals, and everyday uploads.
Also useful
Compress PNG to an Exact KB Size
Shrink PNG images to the size you need while keeping screenshots, artwork, and graphics clear.
Also useful
Compress a PDF to 200KB for Government and Visa Portals
Use this guide when an upload portal rejects your PDF and asks for a document under 200KB or another strict limit.