NimboOn any device
How to reduce a PDF under 5 MB (or 1, 2, 10 MB)
Short answer
Open the free Compress PDF tool, drop the PDF, choose Target size and pick 5 MB (or 1, 2, 10 MB). The tool lowers image resolution step by step until the file fits, and shows the new size before you download. Pages are turned into images in that mode, so text is no longer selectable.
Compress PDF
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Drop a PDF here
or paste with ⌘V · up to 400 MB per file · stays on your device
With the free Nimbo web tool (any device)
- Open Compress PDF and drop your file.
- Choose Target size, then 5 MB (or another size).
- Check the new size and the saving, then download.
- If the size cannot be reached, split the PDF or remove pages first.
With Preview on a Mac
- Open the PDF in Preview and choose File > Export.
- In Quartz Filter, choose Reduce File Size.
- Save and check the size; this filter can lower image quality a lot.
With Nimbo on iPhone
- Open the PDF in Nimbo and tap PDF Tools, then Compress.
- Pick a level and save.
Tips
- Try Light first: it re-saves the PDF without touching images and keeps text selectable.
- Scans and photo-heavy PDFs shrink the most; text-only PDFs are usually already small.
- Deleting unneeded pages is the most lossless way to save space.
Frequently asked questions
Will the text stay selectable?
With Light, yes. Recommended, Strong and Target size turn pages into images, so text is no longer selectable or searchable.
Why can't my PDF reach 1 MB?
Some documents have too many pages or too much detail. Split it or remove pages, then compress again.
Is my PDF uploaded to be compressed?
No. Compression happens in your browser.