PDF Tools
Compress PDF to 50 KB
Compress any PDF to under 50 KB - a common requirement for scanned ID documents on Indian and UK government portals.
The algorithm
50 KB is a workable target for 1-3 page scans. The tool renders each page as a JPEG with iteratively lower quality until the whole PDF fits under 50 KB, then stops at the highest quality that still fits.
Text in scanned documents remains readable at this size. For documents with fine print or small text, consider the 100 KB or 200 KB target instead.
A real use case
Common use: UPSC application forms specify a 50 KB maximum for scanned signature uploads. Scanning at 150 DPI typically produces a 200-400 KB file; this tool brings it under 50 KB cleanly.
Common questions
Will a 3-page PDF fit in 50 KB?
Usually yes, if the pages are text-heavy scans rather than high-resolution photos. If your source PDF is already a scan at 300 DPI, each page compresses well.
Is 50 KB small enough for passport photos?
For most portals, yes. Some stricter portals (Indian passport) require exactly 20 KB - use the dedicated 20 KB tool for those.
Is this really private?
Yes. The whole compression runs in your browser using JavaScript and Canvas APIs. Your PDF is never uploaded, stored, or seen by us. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it will still work.
Will the text still be selectable in the compressed PDF?
For aggressive KB targets, each page is rasterized into a JPEG and embedded as an image, which makes text non-selectable. If you need searchable text, pick a larger target or use the regular compressor at /tools/pdf-compressor/.
What file size can I compress?
Up to around 200 MB on most devices. Very large or very long PDFs may exceed browser memory limits - if that happens, try splitting the PDF into smaller sections first.
Why does my file end up slightly under the target rather than exactly at it?
The tool uses a binary search to find the highest JPEG quality that still fits under the target. It stops at the first setting that lands under the limit, so output is always a little below the ceiling - which is exactly what upload portals want.