Compress Scanned PDF
Scanned PDFs can be very large because each page is stored as a high-resolution image. Compress a copy to reduce the file size, then check that important text and details remain readable before using the result.
- Why are scanned PDFs so large?
- Scanned PDFs store each page as a full bitmap image, often captured at 200–600 DPI. This makes files much larger than text-based PDFs of the same length. Compression reduces the image data to create a smaller file.
- Will scanned text still be readable after compression?
- It depends on the compression level and the quality of the original scan. Balanced mode usually keeps standard-size text readable. Maximum mode produces the smallest file but can make fine print, stamps, and signatures harder to read — always open the result and check before using it.
- How much can a scanned PDF be compressed?
- Scanned PDFs often compress more than text-based PDFs because they consist entirely of image data. The actual reduction depends on the original scan resolution, number of pages, and colour depth. The tool shows the exact output size so you can decide before downloading.
- Should I use Balanced or Maximum compression for a scan?
- Use Balanced first. If readability is acceptable and the file is still larger than needed, try Maximum and inspect the result again. Stamps, signatures, and small print are most likely to become unclear at Maximum compression.
- Is it free to compress scanned PDFs?
- Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no watermark, no upload to a server.