How to compress a PDF to a specific size: select your PDF, keep Fit under a size limit, type the limit (200 KB, for example) and press Compress. Check the preview, then download.
How to compress PDF to a Specific Size
- Select one PDF, or several if you want to compress them together.
- Keep "Fit under a size limit" selected and type the limit in KB or MB.
- For certificates and forms, tick black & white if you want the smallest file.
- Press Compress PDF, look at the page preview and download.
Common size limits
Most upload limits in India are one of a handful of values, and each has its own page with tips:
- Compress PDF to 100KB for exam, recruitment and many state government forms.
- Compress PDF to 200KB for scholarship portals such as NSP, admissions and certificate uploads.
- Compress PDF to 500KB for admissions, KYC, loan and insurance documents.
- For 1 MB or 2 MB limits (passport, visa, e-filing and email), type 1 or 2 here and switch the unit to MB.
How the tool reaches your size
Many compressors apply one fixed setting and you get whatever size comes out. GreenPDFs works towards the number you typed.
It starts by rewriting the PDF structure without touching the content. If that is enough, your text stays selectable. If the file is still too big, each page is saved as an image. The tool tries resolutions from 144 dpi downwards and keeps the best quality that still fits.
Sometimes a limit can't be reached without making the pages unreadable. You then get the smallest version it could make, along with advice, so you are not handed a blurred file without warning.
Compress several PDFs at once
Add more files with + Add more files. The same limit applies to each PDF, and you can download them one at a time or as a ZIP. This helps when every certificate has to be under the same limit, or when you have a folder of office scans to shrink.
If the limit can't be reached
- Remove pages you don't need with Delete PDF Pages. Blank backs of scanned pages add size.
- Crop wide margins with Crop PDF so the content fills the page.
- Use black & white. A grey-scale scan is often half the size of a colour one.
- If the portal accepts more than one upload, split the file with Split PDF.
Why your file stays private
Compress PDF runs entirely inside your browser. Your file is read from your device, processed in memory and saved back to your device. It is never uploaded to GreenPDFs or anyone else, so you can use it with Aadhaar, marksheets, bank statements and other personal documents. How in-browser processing works.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reduce a PDF to 100KB?
Choose "Fit under a size limit", type 100, keep the unit as KB and press Compress PDF. The Compress PDF to 100KB page has the limit already filled in.
Why can't my PDF reach 50KB?
Each page needs a minimum amount of data to stay readable, so a 10-page colour scan rarely fits in 50KB. Remove pages, switch to black & white or split the file.
Will the text stay selectable?
Yes, if lossless optimisation reaches your limit. If pages have to be saved as images, the tool tells you and shows a preview.
Can I compress several PDFs together?
Yes. Add all the files, set one limit, then download them separately or as a ZIP.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, in any modern browser on Android or iPhone. Large files run faster on a laptop.
Is it safe for Aadhaar and marksheets?
Yes. The files are processed inside your browser and are never uploaded to a server.