How to Compress a PDF Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Learn how to compress a PDF online for free using Braind PDF. This step-by-step guide helps you reduce file size without losing quality.

Why Compress a PDF?
PDF files are great for sharing documents, but they can become large — especially when they contain images, graphics, or scanned pages. Compressing a PDF reduces file size, making it faster to upload, email, and store.
How to Compress a PDF Online — Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to reduce your PDF size using Braind PDF’s free online compressor:
- Go to the Compress PDF tool: visit braindpdf.com/compress-pdf.
- Upload your file: drag and drop your PDF or click “Select File.”
- Choose compression level: Balanced (recommended), Strong, or Max.
- Click “Compress”: the tool automatically reduces file size without losing quality.
- Download your file: click the download button and save the optimized PDF.
Example: Before and After
Here’s what you can expect using the Braind PDF compressor:
File | Before | After | Compression |
---|---|---|---|
Sample Report.pdf | 8.4 MB | 1.9 MB | 78% |
Presentation.pdf | 12 MB | 3.2 MB | 73% |
Tips to Reduce PDF Size Even More
- Remove unnecessary images or convert them to JPG before embedding.
- Use text instead of screenshots when possible.
- Save in “Optimized PDF” mode when exporting from Word or PowerPoint.
- Use Merge PDF to combine smaller files efficiently.
Is Braind PDF Secure?
Yes. We prioritize user privacy. Files are processed directly in your browser whenever possible, and automatically deleted after processing. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compress PDFs for free?
Yes, Braind PDF’s compressor is completely free to use with no signup required.
Will my file lose quality?
Our Balanced mode ensures readability while significantly reducing file size.
Do you store uploaded files?
No, files are deleted automatically after compression.
Ready to get started? Try the Compress PDF tool now or explore our full suite of PDF tools.