How do I compress a PDF to 1MB?

Upload your PDF above. The target is already 1MB, so click Compress. The tool finds the best quality that fits and shows the final size before you download.

Will the result really be under 1MB?

Yes. The tool aims under 1000 KB counting 1 KB as 1,000 bytes, which is the stricter way upload forms measure, so the file passes either check.

Can I still select the text afterwards?

No. Pages are saved as images to reach the size. For documents whose text must stay readable by software, such as a resume, use the Resume Size Reducer instead.

Is my document uploaded anywhere?

No. Compression runs entirely in your browser.

Yes. No signup, no watermark and no limit on the number of PDFs.

Compress PDF to 1MB

Get a PDF under 1MB for uploads and email attachments. The target is already set to 1MB - upload, compress, download. Free, private, no signup.

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Features

Preset to 1MB - upload and compress, nothing to configure
Aims just under the limit, counting 1 KB as 1,000 bytes, so strict upload checks accept it
Shows the exact final size before you download
Switch to 100KB, 200KB, 500KB or a custom size if you need to
100% private - the PDF is processed in your browser
No signup, no watermark, no daily limit

When You Need a PDF Under 1MB

Job Applications

Upload a resume, portfolio or certificates where each file must stay under 1MB.

Online Forms and Portals

Attach multi-page scans and supporting documents within the size cap.

Email Attachments

Send scanned documents that fit comfortably within mail and messaging limits.

Assignments and Reports

Submit coursework and project reports to portals with a file size limit.

Getting a PDF Under 1MB: What Works

How the tool reaches 1MB

Each page is rendered as an image and saved as a compressed JPEG. The tool tries different quality levels, keeps the best one that fits under 1MB, and rebuilds the PDF. The result reads clearly, but the text can no longer be selected or copied.

1MB is enough for most multi-page scans at good quality. If the PDF is already smaller, it is returned unchanged.

Keeping text selectable

For a resume or any document an employer's system must read, use the Resume Size Reducer: it shrinks photos first and keeps the text.
To shrink photos inside a PDF without turning pages into images, try Compress PDF.

If the file still will not fit

Remove pages the form does not need with Remove PDF Pages.
Colour scans of documents shrink much better in black and white: black and white PDF converter.
Password-protected PDF? Unlock it first, then compress.
Need it even smaller? Compress PDF to 200KB or 2MB.