paperfoundry Files stay in this tab · verify it

Paperfoundry / Compress PDF to 1 MB

Compress a PDF to 1 MB

The target is already set to 1 MB. Open your PDF to see how far it is from the limit, then compress it in your browser and check the result.

  • No upload, no account
  • No file size cap
  • Keeps working offline once loaded

How to get a PDF under 1 MB

  1. Open the PDF. The target and method are preset: 1 MB and Reach the target.
  2. Read the hint. It shows the reduction needed and the budget per page, and estimates the result from sample pages.
  3. Compress. If a lossless pass gets under 1 MB, your text stays selectable. If not, pages are converted to images, starting gently and stepping down only as far as needed.
  4. Check and download. The result shows the final size, whether 1 MB was reached and how many pages the file has.

What 1 MB allows

1 MB is a comfortable limit for most documents. A 10-page scan gets about 100 KB per page, enough for a clear image at 120-144 DPI. A 40-page scan gets about 25 KB per page, which needs around 96 DPI. Documents exported from Word or a website are often under 1 MB already, or get there with the lossless pass.

Pages (scanned)Budget per pageWhat it takes
1-6170 KB or moreA gentle image-based copy at 144 DPI
7-2050-150 KBAbout 120-144 DPI
21-4522-50 KBAbout 96 DPI
More than 45under 22 KB72 DPI or less; consider splitting

If it won't fit

  • Delete pages that aren't needed with Organize pages, then compress again.
  • Split a long scan into parts with Split PDF and send them separately.
  • Pick Image-based copy yourself and lower the quality one step; this keeps the resolution while saving size.

When it helps

  • Upload forms for insurance claims, rental applications and school enrolments that cap files at 1 MB.
  • Emailing a scan to someone with a small mailbox, or sending several files in one message.
  • Keeping an archive of scans small enough to sync to a phone.

For stricter portals use compress to 100 KB; to choose your own target, open Compress PDF.

Compress PDF to 1 MB: questions and answers

Will my text stay selectable?

If the lossless pass gets the file under 1 MB, yes. Otherwise the pages are converted to images and the text is no longer selectable.

How long does it take?

A few seconds for a short document. Long scans take longer because each attempt redraws every page; progress is shown page by page.

Why is my file still over 1 MB?

Very long scans may not fit at a readable resolution. Remove pages you don't need, or split the file into parts.

Can I set a different target, like 2 MB?

Yes. Change the target in the panel; your choice is remembered on this page. The main Compress PDF tool also offers a custom size.

Does compression change the page size?

No. Pages keep their original dimensions; only the way their content is stored changes.

Are my files uploaded anywhere?

No. The PDF is read into this browser tab and processed by JavaScript running on your device. The result is created in memory and saved by your browser. You can check this yourself in the Network panel.

Does it work without an internet connection?

Yes, once the page has finished loading. The PDF code is downloaded when the page opens, so you can switch off Wi-Fi and keep working in the same tab. Reloading the page needs a connection again.

Is anything saved in my browser?

Only your settings for each tool, such as the chosen format or margin, are kept in this browser's local storage so they are ready next time. Files and page thumbnails are never stored; they disappear when you close or reload the tab.

More PDF tools