Import the PDF into a compression tool, choose an appropriate compression level when available, create the smaller copy, and inspect text and images before sharing it.
Step-by-step instructions
Check the original
Open the PDF, confirm it is complete, and note its file size.
Open PDF compression
Choose the compress PDF tool in PDF Scanner.
Select the source file
Import the correct PDF, especially when several files have similar names.
Choose the balance
When options are available, use lighter compression for detailed text or images and stronger compression for strict upload limits.
Create the smaller copy
Run compression and preserve the original file until the result is verified.
Inspect before sharing
Zoom into small text, photos, signatures, QR codes, and barcodes to confirm they remain usable.
Tips for a better result
- Compression cannot reduce every PDF by the same amount.
- Image-heavy scans usually offer more reduction than text-only PDFs.
- Keep the original when the document must be archived at full quality.
Use PDF Scanner on iPhone or iPad
The app combines this workflow with scanning, OCR, conversion, page tools, compression, and signing. Feature names and screen labels can change between versions.
View on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Why is my compressed PDF still large?
The file may contain high-resolution images, embedded fonts, or content that is already compressed.
Can compression make text blurry?
Strong image compression can reduce the clarity of scanned text. Always inspect the output at readable zoom.
Does compression remove pages?
Normal PDF compression is intended to reduce data size, not page count. Verify the result before deleting the original.