How to reduce PDF size for email
Most email providers cap attachments around 20–25 MB, and a scan-heavy PDF blows past that easily. Compressing it brings the file under the limit so the message actually sends.
Open Compress PDFStep by step
- Open the Compress PDF tool and drop your file in.
- Pick a heavier setting if it's still over the limit, lighter if quality matters more.
- Download the smaller PDF and check it's under your provider's cap.
Knowing your limit
Gmail and Outlook both cap attachments around 20–25 MB; some corporate servers are stricter. Aim a little under the cap so the encoded email still fits.
If a file simply won't get small enough, splitting it into two PDFs and sending two emails is a reliable fallback.
Smallest file vs. readable file
The heaviest compression gives the smallest file but can soften images — fine for something that's only read on screen. If it'll be printed, choose a higher setting.
The tool shows the before and after size, so you can nudge the setting until it's both under the limit and still looks right.
FAQ
- How small should I make it for email?
- Aim a bit under your provider's cap (often ~20–25 MB) so the encoded message still fits.
- Is my file kept on the server?
- No. It's processed in a temporary folder and deleted right after.
- Is it free?
- Yes, completely free, with no account.