Compress PDF to 2MB

To compress a PDF to 2MB, add it below and click Compress: Target size is already set to 2 MB. PDFWrangle recompresses the images until the file is under 2 MB and shows the new size next to the old one. In our tests every file got under 2 MB, including a 27 MB, 36-page scan. Nothing is uploaded.

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How to compress a PDF to 2MB

  1. Click Choose PDF files or drop the PDF on the box. You can add several and each is compressed to 2 MB.
  2. Leave Target size at 2 MB. Change it if your form says something different, for example 1.9 MB (decimals work).
  3. Click Compress and wait a few seconds. A long scan can take up to about 30 seconds.
  4. Check the new size and click Download. The file is saved as name-compressed.pdf.
The compress tool with Target size 2 MB, showing a 12-page scan reduced from 9.06 MB to 1.65 MB, marked under target, minus 82 percent
This page's tool with the 2 MB target already set: a 12-page scan went from 9.06 MB to 1.65 MB. October 22, 2026.

What we measured

We ran the live tool on October 22, 2026 (PT) in Google Chrome 155 on Linux, with sample files we made for the test. Target size was 2 MB with the default Recommended level. "As images" is the Convert pages to images option.

Sample PDFOriginalWith 2 MB targetAs images, 2 MB target
12-page scanned letter (200 dpi grey)9.06 MB1.65 MB; images now 140 dpi1.39 MB
36-page scanned document27.19 MB1.88 MB; images now about 90 dpi1.43 MB, about 70 dpi
8 pages of photos (2400×1600 each)13.57 MB1.72 MB; photos now 2040×1360606 KB
5 slides with pictures3.25 MB1.02 MB292 KB
10-page text report11.4 KB9.0 KB (already far under 2 MB)Kept the original: as images it would have been bigger

The 12-page scan gave the same 1.65 MB in iPhone 13 emulation. Each run took between 2 and 20 seconds.

Two crops of the same scanned page, the original at 200 dpi and the 2 MB version at 140 dpi; both are clearly readable
Top: the original scan. Bottom: after compressing to 2 MB. The text is still easy to read.

What 2 MB means here

The tool counts 2 MB as 2 × 1024 × 1024 = 2,097,152 bytes. Some sites count 2 MB as 2,000,000 bytes. If a form rejects a file that the tool says is under 2 MB, set the target to 1.9 MB and compress again. Our results above are all below 2,000,000 bytes too.

If the file won't get under 2 MB

Privacy

The work happens in your browser tab, so your files aren't uploaded. The site counts page visits and sends one anonymous event per use (tool name, whether it worked, a file-size range). No event is sent when Global Privacy Control or Do Not Track is on. See the privacy policy.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is my PDF over 2MB?

Almost always because of scanned pages or photos inside it. Those are exactly what the tool recompresses; text and fonts are left as they are.

Is 2MB 2,000,000 bytes or 2,097,152 bytes?

The tool aims for 2,097,152 bytes (2 × 1024 × 1024). If a site counts 2,000,000 bytes and rejects your file, set the target to 1.9 MB.

Will a 2MB scan still be readable?

In our test a 200 dpi scan came out at 140 dpi and was easy to read. Long scans need lower resolution: a 36-page scan was about 90 dpi at 2 MB.

Can I compress several PDFs to 2MB at once?

Yes. Add them all and each one is compressed to the same 2 MB target.

Are my files uploaded?

No. The PDF is compressed in your browser on your own device and is not sent to a server.

Full guide: How to Compress a PDF (and Why Some PDFs Won't Shrink) →