Compress a PDF to an exact size
Job portals want under 2 MB. Email caps attachments around 20–25 MB. Government forms often ask for under 1 MB. Type the limit and Lightfold finds the highest quality that fits, without uploading your file.
How to compress a PDF to a specific size
- Open Lightfold and drop in your PDF.
- Choose Hit a file size and type your limit, or tap a preset: 1 MB, 2 MB, 5 MB, 10 MB or 20 MB.
- Lightfold tells you straight away whether that size is easy, will soften photos, or can't be reached.
- Click Compress PDF, compare the before and after side by side, and download.
Smart, not blunt
Many compressors hit a size by turning every page into a low-resolution picture. That's why text comes out blurry and links stop working. Lightfold works through a ladder of quality levels, from lossless down to 72 ppi, and stops at the best one that fits your limit. Text stays real text, vectors stay sharp, and only oversized images are reduced.
Common size limits
| Where you're sending it | Typical limit | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Job applications & portals | 1–5 MB | Try 2 MB first. CVs usually fit with no visible change. |
| Government & visa forms | Often 1 MB or less | Use “Only these pages” to drop blank or extra pages. |
| Email attachments | About 20–25 MB | Use the “20 MB · email” preset. |
| Portfolios & decks | 5–10 MB | Balanced quality (150 ppi) looks perfect on screens. |
Limits vary by site. Always check the exact number on the form you're filling in.
FAQ
How do I compress a PDF to under 1 MB?
Open Lightfold, choose “Hit a file size”, tap 1 MB and click Compress PDF. It picks the highest quality that fits under 1 MB. If text and fonts alone are bigger than that, it tells you before you start.
How do I make a PDF smaller for email?
Use the “20 MB · email” preset, or type your provider's limit. Most image-heavy PDFs shrink 50–90% without visible change.
Will my PDF lose quality?
Text and vector graphics never lose quality. Only images above the needed resolution are reduced, and you can compare pages side by side, zoomed in, before you download.
Try it now. Your file stays on your device.
Compress a PDF, free