How to compress a PDF to 200 KB (or 100 KB)

Updated 3 October 2026 · By the ShushPDF team · 2 min read

Upload forms for jobs, visas, exams and bank applications often say something like "PDF only, maximum 200 KB". A phone scan of a few pages is easily 2 to 5 MB, so it gets rejected. Here is how to fix that.

The quick way

1. Open Compress PDF and choose your file.
2. Choose A specific size and tap the limit you need: 2 MB, 1 MB, 500 KB, 300 KB, 200 KB or 100 KB. For anything else, tap Other size and type it in KB.
3. Tap Compress PDF. The new size is shown before you download.

What happens to the quality?

Most of a PDF's size comes from the photos and scans inside it. ShushPDF shrinks those first and leaves the text alone, so text stays sharp and can still be selected. If the target is very small, such as 100 KB for a long scanned document, the only way to get there is to save each page as a compressed image. The text stays readable, but it can no longer be selected. ShushPDF tells you when this happens.

When a file will not get small enough

• Remove pages you do not need. Cover pages and blank backs add up. Use Delete pages first, then compress.
• Split it. If the portal lets you upload several files, use Split PDF and send it in parts.
• Scan smarter. If you are scanning paper, 150 dpi in black and white or greyscale is plenty for documents. Colour photos of a page are much bigger.
• Starting from photos? Use JPG to PDF and pick a size limit there. It makes the PDF the right size in one step.

Why sizes look slightly different on different devices

Some websites count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes and others as 1,024 bytes. To be safe, aim a little below the limit. For a 200 KB limit, a file of 180 to 195 KB is ideal.

Is it safe for official documents?

Yes. Your passport scan, certificates or bank statements are compressed on your own phone or computer. They are never uploaded to ShushPDF or anyone else.

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