Optimize PDF
Optimizing a PDF means making it smaller, healthier and easier to work with. Paperly compresses files (singly or in batch), converts to grayscale, adjusts brightness and contrast, and runs honest diagnostics — PDF Health Check, PDF Validator, PDF Info and an Optimization Report — all in your browser.
A "heavy" PDF is rarely one problem. High-resolution images, scanned pages, embedded fonts and leftover metadata each add weight, and the right fix depends on which one dominates.
The optimize tools both shrink files and tell you why they were large in the first place. Everything runs locally, so sensitive documents never leave your device.
How these tools work together
Compress PDF and Batch Compress
Compress PDF offers Standard and Maximum modes. Standard re-encodes images conservatively, keeping quality high; Maximum pushes image quality down further for the smallest size. Text stays selectable either way — only images are re-encoded.
Batch Compress runs the same compression on up to 10 PDFs at once and hands you each result, which saves time when you are preparing a folder for email or upload.
Diagnostics that tell you the truth
PDF Optimization Report shows exactly where your file size goes. PDF Health Check gives a quick dashboard of the document condition, PDF Validator checks structural soundness and PDF Info reports version, pages, size and encryption.
These tools are deliberately honest: they report what the file contains rather than promising a fixed percentage of savings.
- PDF Optimization Report — where the size goes.
- PDF Health Check — quick condition dashboard.
- PDF Validator — structural verification.
- PDF Info — version, pages, size, encryption.
Visual fixes and automation
PDF to Grayscale converts pages to grayscale or black-and-white — a classic way to shrink scanned documents. PDF Brightness & Contrast fixes faded or dark scans in one pass.
One-Click Workflow and Multi-Tool Pipeline chain compress, watermark, number and protect in a single run, so routine document prep becomes one action instead of four.
How much will my PDF shrink?
It depends entirely on the contents. A text-only PDF may already be near its minimum. A PDF full of high-resolution photos can shrink dramatically. No tool can honestly promise a fixed percentage — use the Optimization Report to see the real picture.
Optimize PDF tools
Guides for optimize pdf
Frequently asked questions
Does compression reduce quality?
Standard mode re-encodes images conservatively; Maximum mode reduces image quality further for the smallest size. Text is never re-encoded and stays fully selectable.
Can I compress several PDFs at once?
Yes — Batch Compress processes up to 10 PDFs in one run and provides each result individually.
Is my file uploaded when I run diagnostics?
No. All compression and diagnostics run in your browser. Your file never leaves your device.