Which level to choose to reach 1 MB
The final size depends mainly on the number of pages and whether the PDF is scanned or has photos. As a guide, with the “Extreme” level each scanned page usually ends up between 50 and 150 KB, so a document of up to about 8-10 pages normally gets under 1 MB.
- Try “Recommended” first: it keeps better quality.
- If it's still over 1 MB, start again with “Extreme”.
- If it still won't go down, split the PDF into two files and send them separately.
Tip: Before sending it, open the compressed PDF and check the text is easy to read, especially small numbers such as dates or amounts.
How to use it
- Choose your PDF.
- Select the “Recommended” or “Extreme” level.
- Click “Compress PDF” and check the final size before downloading.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose exactly 1 MB?
You can't set an exact size, but you'll see the final size before downloading. If it doesn't work for you, try a higher level.
What if my PDF only has text?
Text-only PDFs are usually already under 1 MB. If yours is bigger, it probably has images or embedded fonts: try “Recommended”.
Related guide: How to email a PDF that's too large
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