Check file size: Confirm current size and the portal limit (e.g., 2MB, 5MB, 10MB).
Remove pages you don’t need: Delete blank pages, duplicates, or unnecessary annexes before compressing.
Run the PDF compressor once: Compress, then download and re-check size. Avoid repeated heavy compressions.
If still above 2MB, split into parts: Create 2–4 smaller PDFs (ID, transcripts, certificates) and upload separately.
If it’s scanned, rebuild: Export pages as images, compress images, then convert images back to PDF.

Technical tips that prevent quality loss

Exported PDFs compress well because they contain vector text and embedded images that can be optimized.
Scanned PDFs are image-heavy. Lowering effective DPI (e.g., 150–200) usually reduces size dramatically while staying readable.
Don’t screenshot a PDF. It turns text into images and typically increases size and reduces clarity.
If your portal rejects PDFs, try re-saving: some systems are strict about producers/metadata.
Use splitting as a quality-preserving alternative to aggressive compression.

FAQ

Why is my PDF still large after compression?

If it is scanned, most bytes are page images. Use the scanned workflow: compress images and rebuild.

Will compression reduce quality?

Light compression usually keeps text crisp. The biggest losses happen when downsampling scanned pages too aggressively.

What DPI is safe for readable scans?

150–200 DPI is usually readable for forms and text. Use 300 DPI if the document includes small print or stamps.

Can I upload multiple PDFs instead of one?

Many portals allow multiple files. Splitting often preserves quality better than heavy compression.

If this page saved you time, you can support the site and help us ship new tools faster.