How to compress a PDF to 100KB
- Drop your PDF into the box above. The 100KB target is already selected.
- Select Compress PDF. The tool first rebuilds the file without losing anything, then lowers image quality step by step until the file fits, and only converts pages to images if it has to.
- Check the preview of the first page, then download. The result shows the exact byte count, so you know it will pass the limit.
What fits in 100KB?
| Document | At 100KB |
|---|---|
| Typed letter or form exported from a computer, 1–10 pages | Usually fits with no visible change |
| One scanned page, such as a certificate or ID card | Fits, at reduced resolution; text stays readable |
| 2–3 scanned pages | Usually fits in grayscale, at lower resolution |
| 5 or more scanned pages, or color photos | Often too much for 100KB; split the file or ask for a higher limit |
Why 100KB is hard for scanned documents
100KB is a very small budget. A single page scanned in color at 300 DPI is often 1 to 3 MB on its own, because it stores millions of pixels. To get under 100KB, those pages have to be stored with fewer pixels and stronger JPEG compression. A typed PDF exported from Word or Google Docs is different: its text is stored as characters, not pixels, so even a long text-only document can be well under 100KB.
That is why the result for a 1-page scan usually lands around 100 to 150 DPI, while a document made on a computer keeps full quality. If a scan of several pages will not fit, turn on grayscale: removing color typically saves another 20 to 40 percent and makes text easier to read at small sizes.
Make the 100KB version as readable as possible
Scan or photograph only what is needed, and crop away the table or desk around the paper. Use even light without shadows, because shadows and paper texture cost bytes but add nothing. Black ink on white paper compresses best. If the form allows separate uploads, compress each document separately rather than combining them into one file. If a photo needs to go in as an image rather than a PDF, use the 20KB image compressor or the image compressor instead.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reduce a PDF to 100KB?
Open the PDF in the tool above, keep the 100KB target and select Compress PDF. It tries lossless optimization first, then compresses the images in the PDF, and converts pages to images only if needed. Download the result when the size check shows it is under 100KB.
Is 100KB here 100,000 or 102,400 bytes?
The tool aims for 100,000 bytes or less. Some sites count 1 KB as 1,024 bytes, which makes their limit 102,400 bytes. A file of 100,000 bytes or less meets both definitions, so it will pass either way.
Will the text in my PDF still be selectable?
Yes, whenever the target can be reached by compressing the images inside the PDF. Text, fonts and vector drawings are not touched in that case. Only when the images alone cannot get the file small enough does the automatic method turn each page into an image, which makes text unselectable. The result tells you which method was used, and you can force either one with the Method menu.
What if my PDF still will not go under 100KB?
The tool stops before the pages become unreadable and gives you the smallest version it could make. Try grayscale, remove pages that are not required (for example blank backs of pages), or split the document and upload the parts separately if the form allows it.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF is opened, compressed and saved by your browser, on your device. Nothing is sent to SuperUtils, which matters for ID documents, certificates, bank statements and medical records.