How to Resize PDF Online

Since PDFs are so widely used in today’s workplaces, it’s easy to assume these files are relatively small. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

If you generate a PDF file from a Word document, the resulting file could easily be bigger than the original. And if your PDFs include multiple embedded fonts or high-resolution images, there’s a good chance that they’ll be even larger than usual.

The good news is that you can get your file sizes under control with Smallpdf. We offer the world’s most popular online PDF compressor, designed to help you resize PDF files without affecting their quality.

Here, you’ll find our step-by-step guide on how to resize PDFs for free (and tips on getting the most out of your resized PDF documents).

Wondering how the Smallpdf PDF resizer actually works? Here’s a brief explanation: once you upload your file, Smallpdf’s compression tool detects and replaces repetitive patterns within its data with smaller identifiers. That allows you to change the size of PDF files without affecting their fonts, images, and page sizes.

Before we move on, you should know that Smallpdf gives you control over the size and appearance of your resized PDF. While using our PDF resizer, you’ll have the option of choosing between two different compression modes:

The “Basic” mode converts your PDF to a medium-size, standard-resolution file. The “Strong” mode reduces your PDF’s resolution but delivers an even smaller file size. This feature is exclusive to Smallpdf Pro, which you can check out with our seven-day free trial.

Where Does Your Original File Go?

To resize PDF files with Smallpdf, you’ll need to upload your original file to our servers. One hour later, we’ll automatically and permanently delete our copy of that file (unless you opt to save it to your Smallpdf account, of course). Between the time you upload your PDF and the time we delete the original, only one person will have access to this document—you.

This is just one of the many steps Smallpdf takes to protect its users. Along with automatically deleting uploaded files, we:

• Use highly-advanced TLS encryption
• Comply with ISO 27001 (an international standard for information security), the General Data Protection Regulation, and the California Consumer Privacy Act
• Maintain servers under the strict data laws of the European Union

Do More With Your Resized PDF

Once you’ve compressed your PDF, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to share this document with other people. That’s why Smallpdf aims to provide easy sharing and collaboration features for your digital documents. Once your PDF has been compressed, you can share it via email or generate a shareable link—all without having to leave your result page.

Of course, that isn’t the only thing you can do with your compressed PDF. After uploading your file to Smallpdf’s servers to change PDF size, you’ll be able to take advantage of the other features we offer. That includes our new AI tools, such as:

Chat with PDF

Have you ever needed clarification while reading through a long, complicated document? Chat with PDF can help—with this cutting-edge, AI-powered feature, you’ll be able to ask your PDF files questions and get the answers you’re looking for.

Here’s how you can use Chat with PDF:

• Go to Smallpdf’s AI tools and pick “Chat with PDF.”
• Choose a PDF file (or a file in another supported format).
• Ask your PDF any questions you have about its content.

You can also use Chat with PDF after resizing a PDF file. To do that, find “Continue in” on your results page and click “Show more.” Then, select “Chat with PDF” from the expanded list to use this feature with your compressed PDF.

AI PDF Summarizer

Smallpdf’s other AI-based tool is known as AI PDF Summarizer. As its name implies, you can use this feature to generate a concise summary of your PDF documents.

To start using AI PDF Summarizer, choose a document to upload from your computer. When you do, our AI technology will analyze your document and create a point-by-point breakdown of its contents. You’ll also be able to ask questions about your file while using AI PDF Summarizer.

Resize PDF for Free

The smaller your PDF files are, the easier they’ll be to manage—both for you and for their recipients. With that in mind, it’s in your best interest to know how to resize a PDF file the right way before you send it to its intended destination.

Smallpdf is the most powerful, user-friendly PDF compression tool on the market today. While using our website, iOS app, or Android app, you can resize PDFs and access many other features for free (or get unlimited access with Smallpdf Pro). Click this button to start using Smallpdf today: