Use case
How to Compress PDF to Under 10MB
Reduce PDF size to under 10MB with readable text and practical image quality for email, LMS, and client portal uploads.
Implementation guidance
When a PDF is too large for email or web forms, the goal is not maximum compression. The goal is to hit a reliable size target while keeping text sharp enough to read and print. A 10MB target is common for school portals, support ticket systems, and client-upload workflows.
Start with a balanced profile first and review output quality after each run. If the file is still above 10MB, move to a stronger profile or remove unnecessary pages before compressing again. For scanned documents, OCR can help preserve readability by separating text recognition from image-heavy pages.
In FoxyPDF, use Compress For Email when you need target-based control. Set the output target near 10MB, run compression, and verify final readability before sending. This approach avoids over-compression while meeting platform limits.
Step-by-step workflow
4 steps- 1Open Compress For Email and upload your PDF.
- 2Set target size to 10 MB (or slightly below if the destination is strict).
- 3Run compression and review file size and readability.
- 4If needed, remove non-essential pages or rerun with stronger settings.
FAQ
How can I reduce a PDF to 10MB without making text blurry?
Use a balanced profile first, then move gradually to stronger compression only if needed. Check small text and charts before final download.
Why is my PDF still larger than 10MB after compression?
Large embedded images, scanned pages, and heavy fonts can limit reduction. Remove extra pages or run stronger compression to reach the target.
Should I compress to exactly 10MB or a bit lower?
Aim slightly below the limit when possible because some portals include overhead checks or stricter file-size validation.
Is this method good for legal or school submissions?
Yes. It is commonly used for portals that enforce file-size limits, as long as you confirm legibility after compression.