Reduce PDF size for email
Make PDFs smaller — pick a level or a target size like “under 200 KB”.
or drop files here
Files stay on your device
Email providers limit attachment size: 25 MB for Gmail and Yahoo, 20 MB for Outlook.com, and company mail servers often allow only 10 MB. A few scanned pages or a presentation with photos easily goes over, and the message bounces.
This page starts with the Recommended level, which redraws pages at 150 dpi — sharp enough for reading on screen and printing at home, and usually many times smaller than a scan. Text-based PDFs can use Light, which keeps the text selectable. If you need a specific size, pick a target like Under 1 MB.
Still too big? Split the PDF by file size into several parts and send them in separate emails, or share a cloud link instead.
Your file is compressed in your browser and never uploaded to us — a better place for confidential attachments than yet another server.
The options for this task are already set. You can still change them after adding your file. Open the full Compress PDF tool
Your privacy
This tool works entirely inside your browser. Your files are never uploaded to any server.
How to use Compress PDF
- 1
Add your PDF
Drop the file on the page or click to choose it.
- 2
Choose a target or a level
Pick a size limit (for example Under 200 KB) or a compression level.
- 3
Compress and download
See the before and after size, then save the smaller PDF.
Questions and answers
What's the attachment limit for Gmail and Outlook?
Gmail allows 25 MB per message and Outlook.com 20 MB. Company servers are often lower; ask your IT team if unsure.
My PDF is still too big after compressing.
Use Split PDF with By file size to make parts that each fit, then send several emails.
Will the recipient see a lower quality?
At the Recommended level, documents look normal on screen and print well at home. Text can't be selected in the compressed version.
Is my attachment uploaded?
No, compression happens on your device.