Fastest way to get a PDF under 1MB (without ruining quality)
There is no universal “1MB button” because PDFs vary. This workflow keeps the file usable and readable.
Step 1 — Compact first (recommended)
Start with Compact to keep text sharp and preserve the PDF structure. For most documents, this is the fastest path to get under 1MB without visible damage.
Step 2 — If still above 1MB, adjust gradually
If you still need a smaller file, use Rasterize and reduce Quality/DPI in small steps. This is best for image-heavy PDFs and scans.
Step 3 — Verify size + keep it usable
Download the output and check file size before uploading. If readability matters, avoid overly aggressive DPI drops. If you need Ctrl+F/search after Rasterize, run OCR afterward.
- Remove unnecessary pages and compress again.
- Split the PDF into parts under 1MB if your portal allows multiple files.
- If it’s scanned/photo-based, lower DPI/quality gradually in Rasterize.
What typically fits under 1MB?
1MB is a common limit because it usually keeps documents readable. Your outcome depends on page count and image density.
Text-heavy PDFs
Resumes, letters, exported forms, and invoices often compress cleanly under 1MB with Compact.
Mixed text + images
Reports with a few charts/images usually reach ~1MB with Compact; Rasterize only if you need extra reduction.
Scanned PDFs
Scans are image-heavy. You may need Rasterize and gradual DPI/quality tuning to reach under 1MB.
If your upload fails at 1MB, and the portal explicitly requires 500KB, use the strict-limit page: Compress PDF to 500KB.
Why people compress PDFs to 1MB
“Compress PDF to 1MB” is usually a practical constraint: uploads, email, or mobile sharing. This page is optimized for the quality-first version of that intent.
Uploads that commonly cap around 1MB
Many portals, LMS systems, and forms accept up to ~1MB. This page is designed to help you meet the limit while keeping your PDF readable.
Email attachments
Compressing to under 1MB makes attachments faster to send and less likely to fail on slow connections.
Mobile sharing and viewing
Smaller PDFs open faster on phones and are easier to download, especially if the document contains images.
Storage and performance
Reducing PDF size keeps archives lighter and improves load performance for documents you share repeatedly.
How to compress a PDF to under 1MB (3 steps)
1) Upload your PDF
Upload the PDF you want to reduce. The file is transferred over an encrypted TLS connection for processing.
2) Use Compact first (recommended)
Start with Compact to keep text crisp. If you still need smaller output, switch to Rasterize and reduce quality/DPI gradually.
3) Download and upload/email
Download the compressed PDF and verify the file size before uploading. If the portal requires 500KB, switch targets.
Smart PDF Compression
- Guaranteed Size Reduction
- Smart Mode: Preserves Text (Vectors)
- Force Mode: Flattens to printable images
Drop your PDF here
We'll analyze it to see how much we can compress.
Compress PDF to 1MB — FAQs
How do I compress a PDF to under 1MB?
Upload your PDF and start with Compact (best quality). If the result is still above 1MB, switch to Rasterize and reduce quality/DPI gradually until the file is under 1MB.
Can you compress a PDF to exactly 1MB?
Often you can get under 1MB, but exact sizes aren’t always possible because PDFs vary. Image-heavy scans may need Rasterize with lower DPI/quality, and some PDFs are already optimized so they won’t shrink much.
What’s the difference between Compact and Rasterize?
Compact preserves PDF structure (sharp text/vectors) while optimizing images and extra data. Rasterize converts pages to images at your chosen quality/DPI for stronger reduction, but it can reduce text select/search.
Will my text stay selectable and searchable (Ctrl+F)?
With Compact, text often remains selectable/searchable. Rasterize may turn pages into images, which can remove text selection/search. If you rasterize and need search, run OCR afterward.
Why is my PDF not going under 1MB?
Usually because it contains high-resolution images/scans, many pages, or it’s already compressed. Try Rasterize, lower DPI/quality gradually, remove unnecessary pages, or split the PDF if the portal allows multiple uploads.
Should I use 1MB or 500KB?
Use 1MB when you want the best balance of readability and size. Use 500KB only when a portal has a strict 500KB limit and you must push the file smaller.
Is my PDF uploaded to your servers?
Your PDF is transferred over an encrypted TLS connection to our compression backend and Adobe PDF Services for processing. As with any online service, avoid uploading extremely sensitive documents.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android) to compress PDFs without installing an app.
Related compression tools
Use the right page for your constraint. For strict limits use 500KB; for general compression use the hub.