Recommended settings for ~300KB
There’s no universal “300KB button” because PDFs vary. Use the workflow below to hit strict limits quickly.
Best starting point (most PDFs)
Start with Compact first. It keeps text and vector graphics crisp and often gets you close to the 300KB target without destroying readability.
If you still need smaller (strict 300KB)
Switch to Rasterize and lower Quality/DPI gradually until the result is near 300KB. Rasterize is designed for strict upload limits.
Scanned PDFs (image-heavy)
Scans are mostly images, so they compress less in Compact mode. Use Rasterize sooner, then reduce DPI/quality step-by-step.
- Remove unnecessary pages and compress again.
- If the portal allows, split into 2 PDFs under the limit.
- Scans/photos may require Rasterize with lower DPI/quality to reach 300KB.
Why compress a PDF to 300KB?
“Compress to 300KB” is typically a portal/form constraint. The goal is to reduce size while keeping the document readable. Compact is best for quality; Rasterize is best for strict size reduction.
Government forms & portals
Many portals accept only small PDFs (often around 300KB). This page is built specifically for that constraint: compress, check size, and retry with stronger settings if needed.
Email + upload failures
If your upload fails or the attachment is rejected, compressing to a strict size keeps you under limits and avoids re-submitting.
Faster downloads on mobile data
Smaller PDFs open faster and are easier to share on weak connections, especially on phones.
Reduce storage bloat
Compressing old PDFs can cut storage use dramatically, especially if they contain large embedded images.
How to compress a PDF to 300KB (3 steps)
1) Upload your PDF
Upload the PDF you need under 300KB. The file is transferred over an encrypted TLS connection for processing.
2) Choose Compact or Rasterize
Start with Compact for best quality. If you still need a smaller file, switch to Rasterize and lower quality/DPI until the output is near 300KB.
3) Download & submit
Download the compressed PDF and upload it to your portal/form. No signup and no watermark.
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 300KB — FAQs
Can you compress a PDF to exactly 300KB?
Often you can get close, but not always. If the PDF is image-heavy (scans/photos) or already optimized, the file may not reach 300KB without reducing quality. Try Rasterize and lower DPI/quality gradually.
Is there a one-click “300KB” button?
Not reliably. PDF content varies, so the best approach is: Compact first → if still too big, switch to Rasterize and reduce DPI/quality step-by-step until you’re near 300KB.
What’s the difference between Compact and Rasterize?
Compact retains the PDF structure (text/vectors stay crisp) while optimizing images/metadata. Rasterize converts pages to images at your chosen quality/DPI for maximum size reduction (best for strict limits).
Why is my PDF stuck above 300KB?
Usually because it contains large images/scans, many pages, or already-compressed content. Use Rasterize, reduce DPI/quality, remove unnecessary pages, or split the PDF if allowed by the portal.
Will Rasterize affect text selection/search?
Yes. Rasterize turns pages into images, so text may no longer be selectable/searchable. If you need searchable text afterward, run OCR after compressing.
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. Use Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android) to compress PDFs without installing an app.
What should I do after compressing for a portal?
If required, you can split or reorder pages, then sign the PDF before uploading.
Try other targets & tools
If your portal allows a larger limit, use an easier target. Or keep working on your PDF after compression: