How to get a PDF under 1 MB
- 1Choose your PDF.
- 2Pick Strong for the smallest file.
- 3Compress and check the new size shown next to the file.
- 4If it's still over the limit, remove pages you don't need or split the PDF, then compress again.
Why use PDF Workdesk for Compress PDF
- Runs in your browser: your files are never uploaded
- Free, with no sign-up and no daily limit
- No watermark on the result
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad
Why there's no exact target size
A PDF's size depends on what's inside it. A ten-page text document is often already well under 1 MB, while one scanned page can be several megabytes. Compression works on the images, so we show you the result rather than promise a number nobody could guarantee.
Job portals, visa and university applications and government forms often ask for 1 MB or 2 MB. Strong reduces photos and scans to a resolution that's still clear on screen, which is usually enough for those limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can you guarantee the file will be under 1 MB?
No one honestly can: it depends on the content. Strong gives the smallest result; if that's still too big, remove or split pages.
Why didn't my text-only PDF get smaller?
Text is already compact, and there are no images to shrink. Such files are usually under the limit already.
Will the document still be readable?
Yes. Text and lines aren't touched. Photos are reduced to screen quality.
Is my file uploaded?
No. It's compressed in your browser, so personal documents for applications stay on your device.