How to compress a PDF toward a target size
Upload portals often set a maximum file size. PDFDesk can aim for common targets such as 100 KB, 500 KB or 1 MB, but the smallest readable result depends on page count and content.
Open Compress PDF →Choose a realistic target
A short text PDF may reach 100 KB, while a long colour scan may not. Start with the portal limit rather than choosing the smallest number automatically.
A target is a goal, not a guarantee. The tool keeps the best result it can produce within its practical quality limits and reports the final size.
Pick the right compression mode
Image-based mode is selected by default and usually gives the strongest reduction. It renders pages as images, so selectable text, forms, links and annotations may be lost.
Automatic or Keep text is better when selectable text and document features matter, although the size reduction may be smaller.
Check the quality tradeoff
Zoom in on names, numbers, signatures, stamps and small print after compression. A file that meets a limit but cannot be read is not a useful result.
If the target is missed, remove unnecessary pages, split the document into allowed parts, or rescan at a sensible resolution if the receiving service permits it.
Protect the original
Compression creates a new copy. Keep the original until the compressed file has been reviewed and successfully submitted.