Optimize PDF
How to Compress a PDF to 100KB, 200KB or 1MB
Upload forms for visas, jobs, exams and government portals often cap PDF size at 100KB, 200KB, 500KB or 1MB. Here is how to hit a target size for free, privately, in your browser with Filenik.
Step by step
- Open the Compress PDF tool and upload your PDF.
- Start with the Extreme level for the smallest possible result.
- Check the new size that Filenik shows. If it is still over your limit, remove unneeded pages or split the file.
- Download once you are under your target size.
Pro tips
- Remove blank pages, duplicates and appendices first, since fewer pages means a smaller file.
- Black and white scans compress much smaller than colour ones.
- If a portal accepts multiple files, split the PDF and upload it in parts.
Why use Filenik
Filenik lets you push a file down to a tight limit without uploading it anywhere. It is free, private and works on phones too, which is handy when an application form rejects your file for being too large.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a PDF under 100KB specifically?
Use the Extreme compression level, then remove any extra pages. For very heavy scans, split the file into smaller parts.
Will the document still be readable at 100KB?
Text stays legible. Heavy photos lose some sharpness, so use the lightest level that still meets your limit.
Is my document private?
Yes. It is compressed in your browser and never uploaded.
Why can I not reach the exact size I typed?
Compression optimises the file rather than hitting an exact number, so combine it with removing or splitting pages to get under a hard limit.