Private, browser-based PDF compressor
Compress PDF File Size for Email Attachment (Gmail/Outlook)
Create a smaller PDF attachment without uploading it here. Pick a target based on your email account and recipient's limits.
Open the 1MB compressorCompress your PDF locally
The interactive compressor loads in this page. Files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded.
Selected target: 1MB. Actual output depends on the PDF and available browser memory.
Before attaching a compressed PDF to email
Gmail, Outlook, work accounts, and recipient mail servers can apply different attachment policies. A smaller PDF may help, but it cannot override an account's attachment cap; a file-sharing link may be a better option when it remains too large.
- Check the attachment limit for both your account and the recipient's mail system.
- Choose a target below the limit to leave room for message encoding and other attachments.
- Open the downloaded file before attaching it to your message.
Frequently asked questions
Does my PDF leave my device?
No. PDF.js reads your file in this browser tab and the reduced PDF is assembled locally with pdf-lib. There is no upload endpoint, analytics event, account, or server-side file storage in this tool.
Will the result be exactly under my target?
Not always. A single maximum is best-effort: the tool tries the clearest setting first and uses the first attempt that fits, or the smallest attempt if none fit. The 100–200KB mode uses the clearest attempt in that interval when one exists.
Can I still select and search text?
The current reduction method rasterizes each page into an image. That usually makes a much smaller file, but it removes selectable, searchable text and original document structure. Keep the original if those matter.
What does the quality setting change?
Low keeps more visual detail and usually produces a larger file. Recommended is a practical middle ground. High uses smaller page renders and stronger JPEG compression for tight limits, with a greater chance of visible softness.
What PDFs work best here?
Short, image-heavy PDFs are the best fit. Very large or complex PDFs can use substantial browser memory, and a source that is already small may not shrink further.
Will a 1MB PDF always send through Gmail or Outlook?
No. Attachment limits depend on the account, organization settings, and recipient's mail service. Check the applicable limit and try a smaller target if needed.