How to compress a PDF under 1 MB
Many forms, job portals and government websites don't accept files over 1 MB. Here's how to get your PDF under that limit by choosing the exact size before compressing, for free and without uploading it to any server. The same method works for 2 MB, 500 KB or any other limit.
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Check the current size and the limit
On a computer, right-click the file and choose Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac); on a phone, the files app shows it. If the form asks for “less than 1 MB”, aim for about 900 KB to leave some margin.
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Choose the size with the slider
- Open Compress PDF and select the file.
- The tool calculates the estimated size of each option. If Recommended Compression is already under 1 MB, use it: it keeps more quality.
- If not, move the slider towards “Smaller size” until the estimated size is about 900 KB.
- Click Compress PDF: you'll see the real size of the result before downloading it.
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Check that it's readable
Open the PDF and check the figures, signatures and small print. If something isn't readable, compress the original again with a little more quality and, if that doesn't get you under 1 MB, try the options below.
If it won't go under 1 MB
- Remove unnecessary pages (covers, blank pages, appendices) with Extract Pages and compress the result.
- Split it into parts with Split PDF if the form lets you attach several files.
- Scan it again at 150 DPI instead of 300: the file will be much smaller from the start and still easy to read.
Good to know
- Scans and photos are what weigh the most and shrink the most: a scan of several MB usually ends up well under 1 MB.
- Selectable text: to reduce the size this much, pages are turned into images and the text can no longer be selected. Keep the original in case you need it.
- Digital signature: compressing changes the file, so the signature is no longer valid. If the form requires it, upload the signed document as it is.
Your document never leaves your device: JapalTools processes it in your own browser and never uploads it to any server, which matters when it contains personal or tax data.