It’s a common question for users dealing with scanned documents: “How can I reduce the size of my scanned PDF files online?”. Large PDF files, especially those created from scans, can be cumbersome to share, upload, or even store efficiently. The good news is, compressing these files is easier than you might think, and often, it can be done for free. Let’s address some frequently asked questions about reducing scanned PDF file sizes online, focusing on efficient and user-friendly methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Compressing Scanned PDFs
Can I use Smallpdf’s PDF compression tool for free to reduce scanned PDF size?
Yes! Just like many other tools available, our online PDF compressor can be used for free to reduce file sizes, including scanned PDFs. You can also reduce the file size of other document types like MS Office files, JPG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF images without noticeably sacrificing quality. While some usage limitations may apply with the free version, and our strong compression options are part of the Pro features, you can still achieve significant size reduction for your scanned documents. To start, simply drag and drop your file into the tool at the top of this page.
Is it possible for my whole team to compress scanned PDFs?
Absolutely! Smallpdf Pro for Teams offers unlimited access to all Pro features for you and your entire team. This includes over 30+ PDF tools to edit, merge, convert, and much more—including advanced PDF AI tools. Furthermore, flexible payment options are available to accommodate teams of any size, making it easy for everyone to efficiently manage and compress scanned PDF documents as needed.
Do I need a paid Smallpdf Pro account to compress my scanned files?
No, a Smallpdf Pro subscription is not required to compress your scanned documents. However, a Pro subscription unlocks numerous benefits, such as unlimited access to all our tools. A Pro subscription allows you to utilize strong compression, which is particularly useful for transforming large scanned documents into highly compressed PDF files that are easy to share, without significant quality loss. This is especially beneficial for scanned PDFs which tend to be larger than digitally created PDFs.
Will compression affect the fonts or quality of my scanned document?
No, compressing a PDF with our tool will not alter the fonts at all. The fonts in your document will remain consistent and unaffected by the compression process. This means all text styles, sizes, and embedded fonts are fully preserved, ensuring your document maintains a professional appearance even after compression. Regarding quality, our tool is designed to minimize quality loss, and for scanned documents, the visual quality is generally well-preserved, especially with standard compression.
Is this compression tool safe to use for sensitive scanned documents?
At Smallpdf, we are committed to security and safety. In addition to GDPR compliance, we are also ISO/IEC certified, undergo annual security audits, and use TLS encryption to ensure the security of your information. Each time you compress a file, the process is fully encrypted, keeping your data and documents secure from start to finish. You can confidently compress even sensitive scanned documents knowing your data is protected.
Can I compress scanned PDFs on the go using my mobile device?
Yes, our iOS and Android mobile apps allow you to compress large PDF files, including scans, on the go. This ensures you can remain productive while traveling or working remotely. Simply scan your document with your phone, and then use the Smallpdf app to quickly reduce the file size before sharing or storing it.
What is the best online PDF compression tool for scanned documents?
The best PDF compression tool effectively reduces file size without compromising quality. Smallpdf’s PDF Compressor is designed to do just that—offering fast, high-quality compression with both Basic and Strong options to meet your specific needs. For scanned PDFs, which can be quite large, our tool is particularly effective. Additionally, our tool is equipped with TLS encryption, GDPR compliant, and ISO/IEC 27001 certified, ensuring a secure and reliable experience. Try it for free—no registration required!
How does PDF compression work for scanned documents?
Our tool analyzes the document, removes redundant data, and re-encodes large images within the PDF to reduce file size—all without sacrificing document quality. For scanned documents, the tool intelligently optimizes images and reduces unnecessary layers to make the file smaller. Our tool is fast, efficient, and the content of your document remains unchanged. This process is ideal for scanned PDFs, making them more manageable for everyday use.
