Use case
How to Compress PDF to Under 5MB
Practical workflow to reduce a PDF below 5MB for strict upload limits while keeping forms, signatures, and key text readable.
Implementation guidance
A 5MB limit is common in government forms, applicant tracking systems, and court filing pre-checkers. The challenge is balancing size with readability, especially when the file contains scanned pages, photos, or mixed-language text.
For tight limits, combine multiple steps. First remove unused pages, then compress to a target size, and finally verify that signatures, stamps, and low-contrast text are still legible. This sequence usually performs better than a single aggressive compression pass.
Use FoxyPDF tools in order: Remove Pages if needed, then Compress For Email with a 5MB target, and optionally OCR scanned files before final submission.
Step-by-step workflow
4 steps- 1Remove unnecessary pages or duplicate sections if present.
- 2Upload the cleaned file to Compress For Email.
- 3Set target size to 5 MB and process.
- 4Review small text, stamps, and signatures before upload.
FAQ
Can I compress a scanned PDF to under 5MB and keep it readable?
Yes, but scanned files are image-heavy. Use target compression and validate key text after processing.
What is the safest profile for strict file-size limits?
Target-based compression is best. It gives you predictable output size and avoids random over-compression.
Do signatures break after compression?
Visual signatures usually remain intact, but always check stamp visibility and fine details before sending.
Should I use OCR before or after compression?
For scanned files, OCR first can help preserve searchable text behavior while still allowing size reduction.