MAXScanner PDF size tool
Compress PDF to 20MB
Compress a PDF to 20MB or less online for free. Reduce PDF size for email, forms, applications and upload limits directly in your browser.
Smart target-size compression
Compress up to 20 PDFs in one pass
MAXScanner tries multiple strategies and gives you individual files or one organized ZIP.
- • Tries several optimization strategies automatically.
- • Stops early when the requested target is reached.
- • Keeps the best result if the exact target is not achievable.
- • Reports original size, result size and target status.
Why use a 20MB target?
A concrete file-size target is useful when an upload form, email workflow or document portal gives you a maximum size. Instead of guessing how much compression to apply, you can work toward the stated limit and then verify the downloaded file before submitting it.
What if the PDF cannot reach 20MB?
Scanned pages, photographs and embedded resources can make a very small target difficult. Do not trade away readability just to hit a number. If the output remains too large, check whether the receiving service has another accepted limit or workflow.
Larger targets are useful when upload limits are generous
For larger documents, focus on preserving useful resolution while staying below the destination limit. Avoid repeatedly compressing the same output because quality can degrade without giving you a predictable improvement.
Before you compress
- Use the largest acceptable target when visual quality is important.
- Check the destination limit rather than assuming a smaller file is always better.
- Keep a separate original so you can create another version for a different upload requirement.
After compression
- Confirm the downloaded file is actually under 20MB.
- Open several representative pages and inspect text and images.
- Check signatures, forms and page order if they matter to the submission.
- Keep the compressed copy separate from your original.
Related PDF workflows
How to compress a PDF to 20MB
- 1. Check the destination limit
Confirm the current maximum file size shown by the website or application. That requirement is the source of truth.
- 2. Upload the original
Work from the clearest original PDF and create an upload copy rather than repeatedly compressing an already compressed file.
- 3. Check the result
Open the output and verify its final size, text, page order, images, signatures and important details before sending it.
Quality and privacy tips
Keep the original
Store your original PDF separately so you can create another version later if a different portal has a different limit.
Review sensitive documents
Before uploading a document containing personal or confidential information, review the service's current privacy and retention terms and the destination's requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I compress a PDF to 20MB?
Yes. The tool is designed to work toward a 20MB or smaller output, but the achievable size depends on the PDF's pages, images, fonts and embedded resources.
Why is my PDF still larger than 20MB?
Image-heavy scans and photographs can require substantial data. If the result is still above 20MB, remove unnecessary pages or use a less demanding destination limit when the receiving service allows it.
Will compressing a PDF to 20MB reduce quality?
A smaller target can require stronger compression. Always open the output and check small text, images, signatures and other important details before submitting it.
Is 20MB a good PDF size for online applications?
It can be useful when an application explicitly sets a 20MB maximum or lower limit. Always follow the receiving website's current instructions rather than assuming one target fits every application.
Should I keep my original PDF?
Yes. Keep the original separately so you can create another compressed version if a different portal, email service or workflow has a different file-size requirement.