Optimize PDF
Compress a PDF to 300KB, and keep scanned pages readable
A 300KB limit sits between the tight 200KB and the roomier 500KB, and it is common for a few scanned pages. This tool recompresses the pictures inside your PDF until it is under 300KB, using the gentlest settings that work. It runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
or drop files here, or paste with Ctrl/Cmd+V
PDF · up to 50 files · 100 MB each
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How to use Compress PDF to 300KB
Add your PDFs
Click Select PDFs or drop one or more files on the page. Nothing leaves your device.
Check the target size
The target is set to 300KB. Change it if your form or email asks for something else, then press Compress.
Download the result
See the final size for each file, then download it or a zip of several.
Scanned pages in the 300KB range
A scanned page is mostly one large picture, so the PDF size is almost entirely image data. At 300KB the tool recompresses those pictures, stepping image resolution from 200 DPI down to 72 DPI and JPEG quality from 85 down to 40, and stops at the first combination under the limit.
That means a two or three page scan can usually be kept legible, while a long one will be pushed to lower settings. Text, fonts, vector drawings, links and form fields are never changed, so a PDF made mostly of text has little to shrink and may stay above the target.
If a file does not reach 300KB, the tool says so and offers the smallest version it could make. You can then split the PDF or allow greyscale. The tool aims under 300 times 1,000 bytes, which is safe whichever way a form counts a KB.
Questions about Compress PDF to 300KB
How many scanned pages fit in 300KB?
It depends on the scan. A single plain page often fits with room to spare, while several full-colour pages may need stronger settings. The tool shows the final size for each file, so you can see where you ended up.
How does the tool get a PDF under the target?
It recompresses the photos and scans inside the file, trying stronger settings step by step. Image resolution goes from 200 DPI down to 72 DPI and JPEG quality from 85 down to 40. It stops at the first result under the target, so you keep the best quality that fits.
Is 300KB harder to reach than 500KB?
Yes, by about 200KB of space. A scan that reaches 500KB at gentle settings may need a lower resolution and quality to reach 300KB. The tool stops at the first settings under the target, so it uses no more compression than needed.
What if my PDF cannot get under 300KB?
A PDF that is mostly text, fonts or drawings has little image data to shrink, so it may stay above 300KB. The tool then says so and offers the smallest version it could make. You can split the PDF into parts with Split PDF, or turn on "Allow greyscale", which turns photos grey and goes further.
Will the text in my PDF still be sharp?
Yes. Only the photos and scans inside the PDF are recompressed. Text, fonts, vector drawings, links and form fields are left untouched, so writing stays crisp and selectable while the pictures get lighter.
What if my form allows a different size?
Use the size switcher to choose another target. A larger target keeps better image quality, so choose the largest size your form accepts.