How to compress a PDF
- Drop your PDF into the box above.
- Pick Light, Medium or Strong compression.
- Click Compress and compare the before and after sizes.
Why GlideConvert?
- Private by design. Your files are converted on your own device by your browser — they are never uploaded to a server. That keeps them private, avoids upload waits and means there is no queue.
- Fast. Images convert in a fraction of a second; video uses your device’s hardware encoder.
- Free. No sign-up, no watermark. 10 images, 5 audio files or one video at a time — Pro lifts the limits and removes ads.
Frequently asked questions
How does PDF compression work here?
Every page is re-rendered as a well-compressed image at a lower resolution (150, 110 or 80 DPI). That shrinks scans and photo-heavy PDFs a lot — often by 50–90%.
Will the text still be selectable?
No — compressed pages are images, so text can no longer be selected or searched. Keep the original if you need that. Text-only PDFs are usually small already; if compression would not make the file smaller, you get the original back.
Which level should I choose?
Light (150 DPI) keeps small print crisp, Medium (110 DPI) is right for most documents, Strong (80 DPI) gives the smallest files and is fine for reading on screen.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Compression runs on your device, which makes it safe for tax forms and contracts.