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Compress a PDF to 1 MB

A 1 MB cap is common on online application forms, and the tool is set to it from the start.

Mostly on your device

The “No quality loss” and Recommended levels and Target size mode run in your browser; the Strong level sends the file to our server over an encrypted connection, where it is processed and deleted right after processing.

  1. 1Choose the file
  2. 2Options
  3. 3Result

or drop it here

PDF

Choose a file first

When a form asks for a file “no larger than 1 MB”, you have more room than with 500 KB. That is often enough for a multi-page document to stay easy to read, as long as you don't compress it more than needed.

Open your file here and the target is ready at 1 MB. If the form names a different number, change it before you start.

Why was a file of about 1 MB rejected?

Some systems count a megabyte as 1,024 KB, others as only 1,000 KB. This tool aims for 1,024 KB, so if your file lands right at the limit and the portal refuses it, set the target to about 950 KB and compress again. A small margin under the limit saves you a failed upload.

One file for everything, or one per document?

Read the form before you compress:

  • One field for all documents: combine them with Merge PDF first, then compress the merged file here.
  • A separate field for each document: compress each file on its own. Every field has its own limit and each document stays clearer.

If your documents are still photos on your phone, start with Image to PDF.

Privacy depends on the level

With the “No quality loss” or Recommended level your file stays on your device, because processing happens in the browser. With the Strong level, the file is sent to our server over an encrypted connection, processed, and deleted right after processing. For a 1 MB target, the Strong level often isn't needed.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Open your file

    Choose a PDF from your phone or computer. The target is set to 1 MB.

  2. 2

    Adjust the target if needed

    If a portal rejected a file close to the limit before, set the target to 950 KB.

  3. 3

    Compress and download

    Start compression, download the result and confirm its size in the file's properties.

Frequently asked questions

My PDF is about 1 MB but the portal rejected it. Why?

The portal may count 1 MB as 1,000 KB rather than 1,024. Set the target to about 950 KB and compress again.

Should I compress each document separately or after merging?

If the form has one field for everything, merge first and then compress. If each document has its own field, compress each file separately.

My file is already under 1 MB. Should I compress it?

No need. Upload it as it is; compressing without a reason only reduces clarity.

How do I compress a PDF to 1 MB on an iPhone?

Open the page in Safari, tap “Select PDF file” and choose the PDF from the Files app. Safari usually saves the result to your Downloads folder.

Does my file stay on my device?

Yes with the “No quality loss” and Recommended levels. With the Strong level, the file is sent to our server over an encrypted connection, processed, and deleted right after processing.

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